tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175Sat, 17 Mar 2018 12:37:25 +00002010201120092012Free Printables2015Christmas2016Art and CraftReviews2013My RamblingsScience and NatureB7K5C1Family HolidaysBlog StuffHomeschool HopNot Back To School Blog HopThemes: St Patricks DayFamily FunB8Bambino Academy: 1 - 2 YearsGiveawaysNSW Trip 20122017Australian StudiesHomeschool EncouragementLanguage ArtsMathematicsBambino Academy: 2 - 3 YearsChristmas Fun 2011Reviews: Online LearningHistoryLHEN ActivitiesArt ClassesChristmas Fun 2010CraftsFamily LifeScience: NatureTOS 2016Weekly Wrap UpsBambino Academy BasicsEasterGeographyHomeschooling CommunityK4LapbooksLiteratureWorld Wide WanderingsAustralian HistoryAustralian Themed PrintablesCanberraLearning SpacesOur CurriculumResourcesArty Crafty PartyBambino Academy: 3 - 4 YearsBirthday'sChristmas Fun 2009TOS 2017Weekly WondersAustraliaLegoLets Learn LettersSchool Room SuppliesScience: AnimalsSportsmemes and linkys2014Countries A - ZFlat Stanley ProjectNotebook PagesOrganisationPicture Book ReviewsReviews: MathematicsSunday Shout OutBeach FunCbubHistory : 1st CycleIpswichLearning EverydayMontessoriMontessori: 0 - 3NaturePaper CraftsPlanning and RecordingPreschool CornerReviews: Printable MaterialsRhymesScience: Backyard NatureThe Craft ClubTips5 On FridayAnzac DayArt GalleryAussie Book AdventuresAustralian EasterAustralian GeographyBlog HopsBloggingBugs and Creepy CrawliesChristmas Fun 2015Gratitude JournalHomeshoolingJourney Into MontessoriLiterature UnitsPaintingPicture Book FunPreschoolQld Parks and PlaygroundsReviews: Teacher ResourcesScience: ExperimentsScience: Outer SpacereflectionsA Day In Our LifeBackyard FunBlog AwardsBribie IslandCake DecoratingCooperative LearningCreative WritingCurriculum HelpsExcursionsFriendsHomemade ActivitiesHomemade FunLearning CircleMontessori: Free 3 part CardsMontessori: LanguageMontessori: ToddlerReviews: BooksSchoolhouse Review CrewScience: PlantsSkwirkSt Patricks DayWay Back WhenAboriginal Dot PaintingAldiAustralian AnimalsBateman's BayBlog Shout OutsBook ClubBooks 4 Big KidsBunningsChildren's Music JourneyClay WorkConstructionDanceFranceFree StuffGamesGold CoastJapanLetter F ActivitiesLogan HomeschoolersMaths: LivingMaths: PrintablesMoments To RememberMontessori: Free PrintablesMontessori: MathMonthly HighlightsMosaicsMudjimba BeachMusicNature WalksNotebooksPay It ForwardPicture BooksReadingReading AloudReviews: Language ArtsScience: BiologyScience: Ocean LifeSeasonal ThemesSoccerSpaceSunshine CoastTeaching With BooksA-Z AnimalsAlphabetAstronomyAustralia DayAustralian SongsBilbyBirdlifeBookfestsBooksCandle MakingCaptain Crabclaw's CrewChallengesCommunityCopyworkDeclutterFirst AustraliansFive In A RowFlightFun With PaintGardeningHalloweenHands on LearningHandwritingHealthHigh SchoolHinze DamHistory: MedievalHistory: Story of the UniverseK6KindyLetter B ActivitiesLetter K ActivitiesLetter M ActivitiesLetter R ActivitiesLetter T ActivitiesLetter WritingMagazinesMontessori Type StuffMontessori: Practical Life 0 -3Montessori: ScienceMontessori: SensorialMonthly MemoriesMorning BasketMulitplicationMultiplicationMum StuffName CraftsNew YearOcean LifeOceansOpen Ended ArtPlannersPond StudyPotteryPuzzlesReading LogReviews: ScienceReviews: WorkbooksSTOW - AncientsSanta LettersSensory TubsSensory Tubs Idea ListSingapore Math PreschoolSpringTime 4 LearningValentines DayVirtual Curriculum FairWater PlayfloodstagfootAlma Park ZooAn Unschooling ExperimentAncient ChinaAnimal KingdomAppsArithmetic VillageArt BooksArthimetic VillageArticlesAussie Homeschool BlogsAustralia Day PrintablesAustralian LizardsAviationAward Free BlogB9Bambino Academy PlaythingsBambino Academy: 4 - 5 YearsBeachmereBearded DragonsBig History ProjectBlast OffBlog SponsorsBook DepositoryBox ConstructionBrief History Of AustraliaButterfliesC2Captain CookCharles DarwinChartsChinaCircle TimeCoCo-opCompetitionsComputer CourseContinentsCrafts: NatureCrazy About ConstructionCulturesDioramaDrawingEgyptEiffel TowerEngineeringEnglishFairy HomesFamous PeopleFathers DayFirst Chapter BooksFostering FreedomGalapagosGeodesic ConstructionGold RushGood ReadsGrammarHSITWHomeschool BlogsHomeschool HelpHomeschool HoppersIn The KitchenIt's My BlogJournalsKids Learning Is FunKnightsLearning To ReadLeogLibraryLifeLogan ArtistsLooking AheadMadelineMappingMeet A FamilyMesopotamiaModelsMontessori: 3 - 6Montessori: GeographyMothers DayMultisensoryNarrationsNatural DisasterNature StudyOff The ShelfPangeaPark PlayPhotographyPipe CleanersPlace ValuePlay BoxesPlaygroundsPoetryPop ArtPotty TrainingPrintable Playdough MatsRadiant Year JournalRainforestRainy DaysReptilesReviews: Craft MaterialsReviews: GamesReviews: ToysRobotsRoutinesRussiaSand SculptingScience: ChemistryScience: Earth ScienceScience: Nature TablesScience: Periodic TableScience: WeatherSensory Tubs: PastaShow EntriesSight WordsSketch TuesdaySkip CountingSolar PowerSpellingSpring CleaningStencillingStrawberriesSubjects: TechnologySuncatchersSydneyTerms Of UseThe KiddosThrowback ThursdayTissue PaperTop PostsTuesday's TreasuresTurn It Off TuesdayTutorialsUnschoolingVideo'sVikingsVolcanoWWIIWeatherWildlifeWoodworkWordless WednesdayZooebooksfossilshorse ridingmontessori bookmarksmontessori tagfootOur Worldwide ClassroomEverybody Has One, This Is Just A Little Look Into Ours.http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Kylie)Blogger684125OurWorldwideClassroomhttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-6541757389058731129Wed, 08 Nov 2017 22:32:00 +00002017-11-09T08:32:49.607+10:002017EngineeringReviewsReviews: ScienceTOS 2017Innovators Tribe ~ ReviewWe've recently been exploring applied science, design and technology all via the online platform, <a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/engineer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thinking Like An Engineer </a>from <a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Innovators Tribe</a>.<br /><br />Innovators Tribe is an online multimedia program that currently offers two courses aimed at children from grades 6 to 12. Thinking Like An Engineer, Thinking Like An Architect and they are releasing Thinking Like A Carpenter sometime in the near future.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/engineer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Thinking Like an Engineer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/11%20-%20November/7%20-%20Inovators%20Tribe/Thinking%20Like%20an%20Engineer_zpss3vv2gm1.jpg" height="135" width="400" /></a></center><br />The course involves about 30 hours of the students time to complete and is made up of both online video and multimedia lessons, along with a large portion of hands on activities. Our family was provided a full subscription to Thinking Like An Engineer in order to deliver this review.<br /><br />The Thinking Like An Engineer course comes with a printed syllabus and material list which makes it easy to know in advance what is required. These were the first things I printed so we could take some time understanding what was to be covered. You are also directed to download free design software that will be used within the course.<br /><br />The course is built around a set of challenges and through both the lessons and the online components the students will learn to problem solve and to truly begin to think like an Engineer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PB6VyrAzkeg/WgN8C0WAvRI/AAAAAAABy9k/yo9t7MbRavgGxw5hOQIfZOnW7Vxo3bN5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Innovators-Tribe-d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="915" height="138" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PB6VyrAzkeg/WgN8C0WAvRI/AAAAAAABy9k/yo9t7MbRavgGxw5hOQIfZOnW7Vxo3bN5wCLcBGAs/s400/Innovators-Tribe-d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Thinking Like An Engineer contains five main units which compose of:<br /><br />1/. Introduction To Engineering<br />2/. Introduction To 3D Design<br />3/. Engineering Rollercoasters<br />4/. Engineering Bridges<br />5/. Nano-Engineering<br /><br />The early stages of the course include a series of videos to explain the concepts, ensure the student has a good understanding of what engineers do and some of the grand problems our world faces today that engineers are continually trying to solve. It discusses the various streams of engineering and even shows the students the average annual income for the various types of engineers, this part got the kids thinking that's for sure!<br /><br />The videos are very interactive and often contain slides and links to other short video clips. They were great at keeping all of us intrigued, never were we sitting through a video simply watching the presenter standing in front of the screen for the entire time. I really liked how that component of the course was so well thought through.<br /><br />It doesn't take long though before you are straight into the hands on activities, which are presented in the form of challenges. For example we were asked to build a five foot tower using only 5 sheets of printer paper and one foot of masking tape. Another challenge involving paper and masking tape was to create a structure that could hold a stack of books off the ground using only one sheet of paper and two feet of masking tape.<br /><br />After the introduction and various hands on activities the course moves into 3D Design using online free software to explore this area. We are now only just beginning this section of the program and are excited to be diving into the world of Computer Aided Design. <br /><br />This course is so well laid out that it is a breeze for the older student to complete independently, the dashboard clearly shows what lessons they have completed and what is coming next. With assistance I think this course could probably even work for students slightly younger than the 6th grade recommendation. They may not get as much out of it as an older student but I'm quite certain that if they love hands on challenges and engineering concepts then I'm sure they would enjoy it.<br /><br />We are definitely looking forward to completing the remainder of the course and I can't wait to see more of the new course Thinking Like A Carpenter as I'm sure my younger son will love that one!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ93_-XlYNY/WgOA0yK69aI/AAAAAAABy90/v0EGrqP8rVEl9yNg4HVG0DBwfv0ObqJ_gCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bcourses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="640" height="273" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ93_-XlYNY/WgOA0yK69aI/AAAAAAABy90/v0EGrqP8rVEl9yNg4HVG0DBwfv0ObqJ_gCLcBGAs/s400/the%2Bcourses.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />To see more reviews on Thinking Like An Engineer and even some on Thinking Like An Architect simply click on the graphic below.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/thinking-like-an-architect-or-engineer-innovators-tribe-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Thinking Like an Architect or Engineer {Innovators Tribe Reviews}" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" height="154" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" height="94" width="320" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/11/innovators-tribe-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-7637097947337532326Thu, 21 Sep 2017 22:43:00 +00002017-09-22T08:43:49.548+10:002017GeographyReviewsReviews: Printable MaterialsSchoolhouse Review CrewTOS 2017Let's Go Geography ~ Review<span style="font-size: small;">We've been having loads of cultural geography fun with this all new weekly <a href="https://www.letsgogeography.com/find-out-more/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">homeschool geography curriculum</a> from <a href="https://www.letsgogeography.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Let's Go Geography</a>!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">What Is Let's Go Geography </span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">A full 36 week Cultural Geography immersion program. Each week the program visits a new </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;">destination. In a full year you can expect to visit around 30 different countries. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSvcp1XOmbo/WcQ9oxBUboI/AAAAAAABy3w/HJcea8x2xTsuEbIoWM-vDe8Q7UnLwLacQCLcBGAs/s1600/Lets%2BGo%2BGeography_zpsuqiawr2i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="506" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSvcp1XOmbo/WcQ9oxBUboI/AAAAAAABy3w/HJcea8x2xTsuEbIoWM-vDe8Q7UnLwLacQCLcBGAs/s320/Lets%2BGo%2BGeography_zpsuqiawr2i.jpg" width="219" /></a></div></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The exploration happens via, mapping, flags and landmarks. Each week there are links to listen to songs and watch videos related to that country, along with notebooking pages, crafts, colouring pages and more!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Currently Year One is released, when complete the full program will contain three years worth of lessons. The best part is most definitely the inexpensive pricing. To have all of these resources at your fingertips for such a low price is most definitely worth it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">How We Used Let's Go Geography</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Each lesson stands alone, so whilst it is laid out in numerical order you can jump about visiting any country you wish. I chose to start at the beginning, with lesson 1, the Northeast area of the USA.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Before beginning the lesson I printed, the required maps, flags, notebook and colouring pages. As the lesson contains links to songs, videos and pictures I knew it would enhance the lesson by viewing on the large screen, so I plugged our laptop into the television and we completed the lessons that way.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">My kids really enjoyed the lesson on Haiti and so I will use that to give you a closer look around.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv1tvCorPyk/WcQ99j3hM_I/AAAAAAABy30/JEoHIEjma9MDRoDlu6fFjQ9P7MC7BGieQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv1tvCorPyk/WcQ99j3hM_I/AAAAAAABy30/JEoHIEjma9MDRoDlu6fFjQ9P7MC7BGieQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_5054.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The first we thing we do is discuss who's heard of the country, if they know anything about it and where it possibly might be. I always have our large world map out with us so we can go looking. Once we've discussed and located the whereabouts, we notice any major land masses and bodies of water nearby.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Then it is time for a brief mapping session. Firstly included in the lesson is a link to print off a map for North America and to colour the country of Haiti. The second map included is one of the Greater Antilles area, here we discuss the bordering countries and colour as we talk about them.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Time to look at the flag, we discuss the details, the kids colour, cut out and stick to the appropriate map, currently we are staying in the North American region so all of our flags are from that area. The program does have a printable passport that you can add on to your studies. We have chosen to simply keep everything in one folder.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Now it is time for music, so far all of the lessons have given us the lyrics and a link to listen (and watch) the National Anthem of that country.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">And like any visit to a country one simply must do some exploring, and that's where we are off to </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVzmoxwQl3c/WcQ-KPYPOhI/AAAAAAABy34/C644JjAlAVomnUNJ1tyAL9qOkevAGQRNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVzmoxwQl3c/WcQ-KPYPOhI/AAAAAAABy34/C644JjAlAVomnUNJ1tyAL9qOkevAGQRNQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_5055.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">next! This is the part of the lesson that is different each time because you are dealing with a different country, with Haiti for example we had some 'did you know' facts and then we did a spot of virtual sight seeing. We took a tour of Haiti's landscape, the Citadelle and looked at some of the ways the people earn a living, including a virtual visit to a market.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">After the brief trip around the country there are a photographic images included of some of the places visited on the virtual tours.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">As the complete lesson is a pdf download these could be printed and added to the child's travel notebook, we have chosen just to view on the large screen.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">We are nearing the end of our visit to Haiti, but first there is always some form of craft or colouring page related to the country.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">And finally we notebook a few details using the included notebooking page.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">All up this is taking us approximately 1 hour to complete. We are not doing the crafts as my kids simply didn't want to do them. I found that I prefer to start and finish an entire lesson in one setting, but it is definitely structured that you could do 15 minutes or so a day and complete a lesson over the course of a week.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_fw2VbEQkI/WcQ-8_d0ghI/AAAAAAABy4A/C0NbkqdKl7kfjpO05bavw-NQlYQsNHvdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_fw2VbEQkI/WcQ-8_d0ghI/AAAAAAABy4A/C0NbkqdKl7kfjpO05bavw-NQlYQsNHvdACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_5408.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">With each lesson being accessed as a pdf, I love that we can view it on the ipad or via the laptop and then on our large screen tv. We simply spread out on the lounge room floor.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">What We Didn't Like</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">For us the only thing was the crafts that my kids weren't too fussed on. I would like to see some more thorough physical geography concepts. This is a cultural geography program with a small amount of map work included.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What We Did Lik</b>e</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">This is definitely one of those programs that everyone can gather around and do together, big tick here in&nbsp; my box, as now that my kids are no&nbsp; longer little it is so hard to find things we can do together. There is such limited prep required, download the lesson, print the needed pages, organise the craft if you are going to do that and off you go. All of the leg work of finding images, videos, music and snippets of information has been done for you. And of course you can't beat the price. A full years access is only $21.99 USD.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1wfYAYX8-y0/WcQ9gJR361I/AAAAAAABy3s/1XykwJaEOX0kOIHPbny9X4hqH69fui6HQCLcBGAs/s1600/LetsGo_Header_JUSTglobe-words.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="800" height="120" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1wfYAYX8-y0/WcQ9gJR361I/AAAAAAABy3s/1XykwJaEOX0kOIHPbny9X4hqH69fui6HQCLcBGAs/s320/LetsGo_Header_JUSTglobe-words.gif" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: small;">Further Details</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Visit the Let's Go Geography website for a closer look around.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://business.facebook.com/letsgogeography" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's Go Geography on Facebook</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.ie/letsgogeography/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's Go Geography on Pinterest</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to see more reviews on this product simply click on the image below. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/lets-go-geography-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Let’s Go Geography {Reviews}" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" height="193" width="400" /></a></center><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" height="94" width="320" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/09/lets-go-geography-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-113743996654824580Wed, 19 Jul 2017 21:44:00 +00002017-07-20T07:44:19.684+10:002017AviationFlightReviews: Online LearningTOS 2017Doctor Aviation ~ Review<span style="font-size: small;">I have a unique product to introduce to you all today, called <a href="https://www.doctoraviation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doctor Aviation, i</a>f your family enjoys anything to do with aviation then this may just be right up your alley. My high schooler has been undertaking a course in <a href="https://www.doctoraviation.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">aviation education</a> and was provided access to the complete course in order to bring this review to you.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGBSQIDZ7BQ/WW_RX3pGF8I/AAAAAAAByys/9WG6cesNpNYwe64xWH98zjBnzmWvoUgjACLcBGAs/s1600/aviation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="doctor aviation review" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGBSQIDZ7BQ/WW_RX3pGF8I/AAAAAAAByys/9WG6cesNpNYwe64xWH98zjBnzmWvoUgjACLcBGAs/s400/aviation.jpg" title="doctor aviation review" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What Is Doctor Aviation</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">This product is the brain child of Daryl Smith, aka Doctor Aviation. The course is an introduction to all things aviation and will provide the student with the basic tools and knowledge to take off into the world of flight. The course is recommended for ages 16 and up, of course if you have a younger student that is a very keen aviator then be sure to take a look at the trial lesson on their website.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Doctor Aviation himself has a long list of credentials, including those of United States Airforce Command Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Research Pilot, he has authored an aviation book and is currently a college professor. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The program is based around a series of video lectures, that all average 60 minutes in length.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The lesson structure is broken into sections, with each section containing two - four accompanying lessons. It is broken down as follows.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Section One - Course Overview</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The Aviation System</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Section Two - The Aircraft</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The Major Components Of An Airplane</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Axes &amp; Forces</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Why An Aircraft Flies - The Secret Of Airfoils &amp; Lift</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Why An Aircraft Turns, Pitches &amp; Slides - The Flight Controls</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Section Three - Air Traffic Control</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">How We See An Aircraft Miles Away - The Secrets Of Radar</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The Air Traffic Cops - How Air Control Works</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Section Four - Aircraft Maintenance</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Keep 'em Flying - Propeller Engines</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Keep 'em Flying - Jet Engines</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Section Five - Airfield Operations</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The City In &amp; Of Itself - Running A Large Airport</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The Small Airport &amp; Running An FBO</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Section Six - The Aircraft II</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Flying In The Clear &amp; Not So Clear Air - VMC &amp; IMC</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Important Pilot Instruments - Attitude Indicator</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Important Pilot Instruments - Airspeed Indicator</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Other Aviation Ships - Gliders, Helicopters, Airships</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Each section also contains a printable guided notes pdf. This is intended to be downloaded and completed as you watch the video lectures.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">For those that wish to delve even deeper there is also a 'To Learn More' page, this area has a huge array of further resources to take the learning to a deeper level. Here you are given recommendations of books to read, websites to visit and further study ideas all pertaining to that particular lesson.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">As you progress further into the course you will have the option of printing off Exam Practice Questions. Potentially allowing the student a complete high school credit option if they chose to undertake all of the learning opportunities housed within here.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/TOSCrew2011/media/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/07%20-%20July/18%20-%20Doctor%20Aviation/Doctor%20Aviation%20Logo_zpslkv44u3k.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Doctor Aviation Logo_zpslkv44u3k.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/07%20-%20July/18%20-%20Doctor%20Aviation/Doctor%20Aviation%20Logo_zpslkv44u3k.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How Did We Use Doctor Aviation</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">My teen chose to use the site in its simplest form, that of watching the live lectures and completing the printed guided notes, as you can see in the image above.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Whilst we do spend some time looking at the extra resources to see if there is anything there he would like to follow further, for now he is content in simply increasing his introductory knowledge of aviation.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What We Didn't Like</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">This is a thorough course, giving a great introduction to aviation and it is designed for students 16 years and over. My son is 15, he is able to complete this independently and whilst he has found the video lectures extremely informative, he personally doesn't overly enjoy the basic lecture style of video presentations.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">His wish was two things, for it to be somewhat more animated in the delivery style and for the videos to not be quite so long, therefore expanding the number of videos included. This is always going to be a personal preference though.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What We Did Like</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">He is however truly enjoying the sharing of information and the exploration of aircraft. He does feel he is learning a great deal from this program. If aviation was a possibility on his list of potential careers then I know that this course would be a truly valuable asset.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Further Details</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Visit the <a href="https://www.doctoraviation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doctor Aviation</a> website for a trial of the first session, The Aviation System.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/doctoraviation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doctor Aviation on Facebook</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://twitter.com/draviationguy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doctor Aviation on Twitter </a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to see more reviews about this product simply click on the image below.</span><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/aviation-course-doctor-aviation-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Aviation Course {Doctor Aviation Reviews}" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" height="154" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" height="93" width="320" /></a></center><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/07/doctor-aviation-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-6926956056344071353Fri, 09 Jun 2017 11:12:00 +00002017-06-09T21:12:49.583+10:002017HealthReviewsReviews: Online LearningTOS 2017Marsh Media ~ Review<span style="font-size: small;">Today I would like to introduce you to <a href="https://marshmedia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MarshMedia</a> a company that produces health education products mainly for use in schools but would like to reach out to the homeschool community.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSW_-OWyRIE/WTm9jDG46dI/AAAAAAABymY/sWB-d-haMt49aAW6FM0JvRbUuh7EJzNjwCLcB/s1600/Health%252520Image_zpsdmduxslv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="440" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSW_-OWyRIE/WTm9jDG46dI/AAAAAAABymY/sWB-d-haMt49aAW6FM0JvRbUuh7EJzNjwCLcB/s400/Health%252520Image_zpsdmduxslv.png" width="312" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Our family was given access to the suite of health and puberty videos that MarshMedia have available in order to bring this review to you.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is MarshMedia</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The company creates educational products, mainly based around puberty and health for children and young teens and up until now have primarily created these for schools. The company has put together a great plan though in an effort to reach out to the homeschool community!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The company was originally founded in 1969 and whilst the ownership has changed hands during that time their purpose has always remained the same. That is to provide quality, engaging and educational health videos to children from grades K through to 8.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The MarshMedia suite covers topics such as</span><br /><ul><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Health</span></li><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Hygiene</span></li><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Safety</span></li><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Puberty</span></li><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Head Lice</span></li><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Immune System Disorders</span></li><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Nutrition</span></li><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Character Education</span></li><span style="font-size: small;"></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Social Skills and more</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;">MarshMedia points out that their video's do not discuss sex education, although the terminology is referred to within puberty and health education. I watched these videos mostly with my 8 year old son and was pleased to find nothing that was inappropriate for him to see.</span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://marshmedia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Health Education Products for K-8 {MarshMedia }" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/05%20-%20May/31%20-%20MarshMedia/MM_zpshbjrkg6k.jpg" height="133" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How Did We Use MarshMedia</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">After logging on I spent some time browsing the various titles available as there was quite a range to choose from.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jeb6EfR2GY/WTnCjHlSXpI/AAAAAAABymo/K2mgXBKtVB4R4KkCBzYWtRSJb8rXXoDVACLcB/s1600/mmhygienevideos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="800" height="143" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jeb6EfR2GY/WTnCjHlSXpI/AAAAAAABymo/K2mgXBKtVB4R4KkCBzYWtRSJb8rXXoDVACLcB/s400/mmhygienevideos.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We watched several of the videos in the hygiene section, the Keep It Clean video was particularly useful, with a teen boy in the house they can always use a little reminder. The video featured a small group of teens singing and chanting with a catchy 'rap' feeling tune. The video covered a huge amount of information around keeping clean and why it is important, but because it was presented in this fashion it wasn't arduous to watch in any way.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJcLJ2jVXmk/WTnDqGx4KRI/AAAAAAABymw/271TjYUE0DMjBOFd3TjuOMTPQk1T_WBuwCLcB/s1600/mmnutritionvideo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="394" height="189" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJcLJ2jVXmk/WTnDqGx4KRI/AAAAAAABymw/271TjYUE0DMjBOFd3TjuOMTPQk1T_WBuwCLcB/s320/mmnutritionvideo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mynpn9Xu8o8/WTnEL_xvRaI/AAAAAAABym4/kVeHlcic6SITi3uHuMD_b60UyIMe-BrGACLcB/s1600/mmsafetyvideo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="1294" height="72" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mynpn9Xu8o8/WTnEL_xvRaI/AAAAAAABym4/kVeHlcic6SITi3uHuMD_b60UyIMe-BrGACLcB/s400/mmsafetyvideo.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Nutrition and safety are topics we discuss around here quite a lot, but having the video option to present the information in a slightly different fashion was a welcome change.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJKIT3rDClM/WTnEuooCkuI/AAAAAAABynA/lIBOCgXnX5An32kOw7XGer4XXu0F8pFMwCLcB/s1600/mmspecialneedsvideos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="1293" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJKIT3rDClM/WTnEuooCkuI/AAAAAAABynA/lIBOCgXnX5An32kOw7XGer4XXu0F8pFMwCLcB/s400/mmspecialneedsvideos.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Whilst we didn't access the videos in the Special Needs area I was pleasantly surprised to see them available.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">I have not shared images of everything available, these are just a cross section of what you will find in the range.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What We Didn't Like</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">I personally felt that the website as whole could be a little more user friendly, but after a bit of poking around I did get to everything I needed.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">My eldest teen felt some of the videos were a little childish, but he is above the targeted age range.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What We Did Like</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">That we could quickly and easily access videos relating to just about any health topic a child may need. I didn't need to go googling I knew that all of the information would be presented in the videos here.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Further Details</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">MarshMedia are currently offering homeschooling families access to unlimited viewing of 59 videos for only $50 USD. To find out all of the details visit the <a href="https://marshmedia.com/pages/homeschool-offer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschool Offer</a> page on their website.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">MarshMedia Links</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MarshMedia.Educational.Programs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Marsh_Media" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/+MarshMediaKCMO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google+</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Clar1ssa1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Tube</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to see more reviews about this product simply click on the image below</span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/health-education-products-for-k-8-marshmedia-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="MarshMedia Reviews" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" height="193" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" height="117" width="400" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/06/marsh-media-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-8164967149318175063Wed, 07 Jun 2017 06:21:00 +00002017-06-09T07:06:21.774+10:002017ReadingReviewsReviews: Language ArtsReviews: MathematicsReviews: Online LearningTOS 2017K5 Learning ~ Review<span style="font-size: small;">These past few weeks we've been using an <a href="http://www.k5learning.com/what-is-k5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online program</a> from <a href="http://www.k5learning.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">K5 Learning</a> to supplement my son's math and reading lessons. Our family have been given a subscription to K5 Learning in order to provide this review.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok1UNKTe3nc/WTY6HGkMw9I/AAAAAAABylY/dp0WqGqOkxkNQYA3shf9ROk8fuSDxlXVQCLcB/s1600/k5learning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok1UNKTe3nc/WTY6HGkMw9I/AAAAAAABylY/dp0WqGqOkxkNQYA3shf9ROk8fuSDxlXVQCLcB/s400/k5learning.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: small;">What is K5 Learning</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">K5 Learning is an online portal created to supplement reading, math and spelling for children undertaking grades K through to 5. It is not a complete curriculum. If your child could use a little extra help though, this may be the thing for them.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The site includes assessments in both reading and math, which the child takes before diving in to any lessons. This gives the parent a good overview of where they are at and allows the program to work out exactly where to place the student and what to have them cover.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The lessons are all online using nice quality animated videos. There are also worksheets that can be printed as you go along.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;K5 Reading includes:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Phonemic Awareness<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Phonics<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sight Words<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vocabulary<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reading Comprehension<br /><br />K5 Math includes:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Numbers &amp; Operations<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Measurement<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geometry<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Data Analysis<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Algebraic Thinking<br /><br />K5 Spelling includes:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Adaptive instruction<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Optimized visual interface<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 150,000 word database</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Assessment Component</span></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">I really liked how thorough this part of the program was. The assessment took around 30 minutes although the child does not need to sit and complete it in one sitting. On completion of each assessment (one for math and one for reading) you will receive an email which not only gives you a grade score but also breaks down the subject areas.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">For example depending on how the student goes with their assessment their breakdown would look something like this ----&gt;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Overall Reading Score:</u> Below 2<sup>nd</sup> Grade Range</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The Overall Reading score is based on student performance in phonemic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><u>Placement</u></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br />We have now placed Student X at the following levels in our reading lessons:&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Phonemic Awareness&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exempt</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Phonics&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High 1st Grade</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Sight Words&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Early 3rd Grade</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Vocabulary&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mid 2nd Grade</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Reading Comprehension&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mid K</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">After completing the math assessment a similar report is emailed to you.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The parent area of the program also keeps you well informed of what your child is completing and how they are scoring in each particular area. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LI-RTLzK020/WTcnF6j1d4I/AAAAAAABylo/ZGuTEayq9LUXVlIQmzjI5YA9xpS4T0a4QCLcB/s1600/3-part-cartoon-642x232_zpsxzlie4ol.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="642" height="142" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LI-RTLzK020/WTcnF6j1d4I/AAAAAAABylo/ZGuTEayq9LUXVlIQmzjI5YA9xpS4T0a4QCLcB/s400/3-part-cartoon-642x232_zpsxzlie4ol.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How We Used K5 Learning</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">My son doesn't generally enjoy many programs that cover language arts skills online, he prefers to do those more traditionally with me, however he worked through his lessons on K5 Learning without any complaints at all.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">I believe this is due to the fact that they are highly colourful, engaging and kept relatively short. On most occasions he would complete 2 - 3 mini lessons in one sitting, several times a week.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The program remembers everything, so each time he logged on it simply gave him the next lesson that he needed to complete regardless of where he left off last time. For our busy lifestyle this has to be one of the most important considerations for me. My child must be able to log on themselves and know exactly what they need to be doing without needing me to get them set up. So of course I loved this part of the program.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What We Didn't Like</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately, being here in Australia, meant that some of the math components didn't work for us so we did mainly stick to the reading section of the site. This was the area I wanted my son to work on the most anyway.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What We Did Like</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">I loved that K5 Learning includes the assessment, it shows just how much work has gone into creating this program and I know that each lesson is going to be targeted exactly where it is needed. My son loved that it was quick and easy to use. We've never had a moment of frustration with the site, everything has always worked as it should.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Looking Ahead</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">We have a six month subscription to K5 Learning and I can't wait to see where he is by the end of that period. This program has gone into the basket to seriously consider purchasing our own subscription.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUVEeWVSMl4/WTeY3n9z0sI/AAAAAAAByl4/yySsHEOYRDcYvjsHVNeLbOCQu4DQtZXTgCLcB/s1600/Superman-728x90.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="728" height="47" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUVEeWVSMl4/WTeY3n9z0sI/AAAAAAAByl4/yySsHEOYRDcYvjsHVNeLbOCQu4DQtZXTgCLcB/s400/Superman-728x90.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Further Details</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">K5 Learning offer a 14 day free trial, which does allow you take the assessments and use the program for the full 14 days.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Follow them on social media to find out more ---&gt;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/k5learning">https://www.facebook.com/k5learning</a> Tag: @k5learning</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/K5Learning">https://twitter.com/K5Learning</a> Tag: @K5Learning</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/k5learning/">https://www.pinterest.com/k5learning/</a> Tag: @k5learning</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Google+: <a href="https://plus.google.com/+K5learning">https://plus.google.com/+K5learning</a></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">If you would to read other reviews about this program simply click on the image below.</span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/k5-learning-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="K5 Learning {Reviews}" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" height="117" width="400" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/06/k5-learning-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-5194097753546919306Sat, 06 May 2017 23:04:00 +00002017-05-07T09:04:39.781+10:002017NatureNature StudyNature WalksPhotographyGive A Kid A Camera<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnSwQ8DFtwc/WQ5UUiRKseI/AAAAAAAByjw/DWP6afnMI78mt8fh012qMAY0Q9f3O24lwCLcB/s1600/give%2Ba%2Bkid%2Ba%2Bcamera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnSwQ8DFtwc/WQ5UUiRKseI/AAAAAAAByjw/DWP6afnMI78mt8fh012qMAY0Q9f3O24lwCLcB/s400/give%2Ba%2Bkid%2Ba%2Bcamera.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And watch their observational skills soar!<br /><br />In this day and age of digital madness it's so hard to get kids outside, engaging with the natural world around them.<br /><br />But add in a little piece of technology and they might just be immersed for hours!<br /><br />Give them a camera so they can record what they observe. <br /><br />We recently spent some time on a local island and whilst they had to share the one spare camera we have, all three kids got into some serious nature photography.<br /><br />They spent an incredible amount of time wandering, engaged, observing and capturing what they saw.<br /><br />My teen is teaching himself the manual settings, with a few pointers from mum and dad, when he asks. The younger two are content with the automatic setting.<br /><br />I have so many images to sort through and those are the ones just from the kids. Far too many to share them all with you, but here's a few.<br /><br />The following four images were taken by our 15 year old. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWCttugrTz0/WQbGc5_xNEI/AAAAAAAByfw/LLBSWbFlVnoI2-6Q6-C1NtCADxoxtATkgCLcB/s1600/736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWCttugrTz0/WQbGc5_xNEI/AAAAAAAByfw/LLBSWbFlVnoI2-6Q6-C1NtCADxoxtATkgCLcB/s400/736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Love how my teen captured this. Starfish were everywhere on low tide, along the shoreline and they look fabulous in the sunset.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIiI0eO7c60/WQbG1BZXDZI/AAAAAAAByf0/4R0kKqkuiR4GOXuy25AYlmnEnIyRpKvKgCLcB/s1600/729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIiI0eO7c60/WQbG1BZXDZI/AAAAAAAByf0/4R0kKqkuiR4GOXuy25AYlmnEnIyRpKvKgCLcB/s400/729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />So ok, not exactly a nature shot but playing around with the light and his little brother during a glorious Moreton Island sunset.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oysHPNbyU1o/WQbHRGav_VI/AAAAAAAByf4/8hERLXBjBq02BzCez8o_fzwrevVUr3vogCLcB/s1600/742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oysHPNbyU1o/WQbHRGav_VI/AAAAAAAByf4/8hERLXBjBq02BzCez8o_fzwrevVUr3vogCLcB/s400/742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />You can't visit Moreton and not watch the sun set over the famous wrecks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWlBcsPivZ8/WQbHePEUJYI/AAAAAAAByf8/OFvbbrXu-ZUIzEXlLGrWMe2XeYIItBk9ACLcB/s1600/823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWlBcsPivZ8/WQbHePEUJYI/AAAAAAAByf8/OFvbbrXu-ZUIzEXlLGrWMe2XeYIItBk9ACLcB/s400/823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />He was even lucky enough to capture this guy whilst we were out on the water.<br /><br />The next five images were taken by my 12 year old.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61sYd0oN86A/WQbM4iA2ArI/AAAAAAABygM/oGQ4Py07GU0uyOzH4dbxNhxNKIpFRAX9wCLcB/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61sYd0oN86A/WQbM4iA2ArI/AAAAAAABygM/oGQ4Py07GU0uyOzH4dbxNhxNKIpFRAX9wCLcB/s400/161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />She was enraptured with the starfish. There are several images of them taken by her.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXNa-Zk4Neg/WQbNe7WkrnI/AAAAAAABygU/R3Y9L4biG3YPBue-iQn84UcRbM0DfAFNwCLcB/s1600/171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXNa-Zk4Neg/WQbNe7WkrnI/AAAAAAABygU/R3Y9L4biG3YPBue-iQn84UcRbM0DfAFNwCLcB/s400/171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Playing around with her little brother. She had my camera for this one.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvXDhgcHCOM/WQbOJkEpv6I/AAAAAAABygc/yxjG1Kmn93IQieEjrOKjNG1iruNhT5xwwCLcB/s1600/180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvXDhgcHCOM/WQbOJkEpv6I/AAAAAAABygc/yxjG1Kmn93IQieEjrOKjNG1iruNhT5xwwCLcB/s400/180.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />Of course the obligatory, toes with a starfish photo simply must make an appearance.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ1gCU4BKHI/WQbOlWFfCwI/AAAAAAABygg/ndvr4EYfeEsPY2qknG6gW8tsPytc-M5qQCLcB/s1600/189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ1gCU4BKHI/WQbOlWFfCwI/AAAAAAABygg/ndvr4EYfeEsPY2qknG6gW8tsPytc-M5qQCLcB/s400/189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />These guys get battered around by the surf and many of them get flipped from crashing waves. Their undersides though are mesmerising to look at it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H8R1I398KU/WQbPScNTnUI/AAAAAAABygo/6zkbt3KS4ncsXFDb3XBsWpDNmt9_eja6gCLcB/s1600/190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H8R1I398KU/WQbPScNTnUI/AAAAAAABygo/6zkbt3KS4ncsXFDb3XBsWpDNmt9_eja6gCLcB/s400/190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />She also managed to snap the only crab photo of the entire trip!<br /><br />Our 8 year old barely went anywhere without the camera hanging from his neck. Consequently I now have a plethora of images that he took. The following nine are all from him.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNxetfC1EE4/WQbTgAENZMI/AAAAAAAByg0/UVwTOeM2O7wJkD6_fOHmB9qf-FzQo0MBwCLcB/s1600/dolphins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNxetfC1EE4/WQbTgAENZMI/AAAAAAAByg0/UVwTOeM2O7wJkD6_fOHmB9qf-FzQo0MBwCLcB/s400/dolphins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We were so lucky to pass by a pod of dolphins on our way over to the island. They were quick and he was lucky to even grab this shot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjTUcDOJ7YU/WQbT3BvJ8II/AAAAAAAByg4/XyZo5vkpayIVsdyzcH6d2XAG0u8j9pH_wCLcB/s1600/532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjTUcDOJ7YU/WQbT3BvJ8II/AAAAAAAByg4/XyZo5vkpayIVsdyzcH6d2XAG0u8j9pH_wCLcB/s400/532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This sunset he snapped directly out in front of our villa. What a beauty!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7UwoQRRBeJI/WQbUNQKqadI/AAAAAAAByg8/2gE9FYn_8K8xZ9jhWnIBthf2mE1r8XZXwCLcB/s1600/585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7UwoQRRBeJI/WQbUNQKqadI/AAAAAAAByg8/2gE9FYn_8K8xZ9jhWnIBthf2mE1r8XZXwCLcB/s400/585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Behind us was a smallish tropical rainforest inspired garden, which he spent a bit of time in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVqUpOEIIrk/WQbUnpc3ijI/AAAAAAAByhA/-U_7RCv5pIULZY379KiCkLk2PMwWp5QAACLcB/s1600/593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVqUpOEIIrk/WQbUnpc3ijI/AAAAAAAByhA/-U_7RCv5pIULZY379KiCkLk2PMwWp5QAACLcB/s400/593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This little guy sat and posed for him for ages.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQkPnx85vw0/WQbU9f_LUtI/AAAAAAAByhE/JuGTaYuh1wg5sqaxh1AqpXDJ9I6FMvZiQCLcB/s1600/629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQkPnx85vw0/WQbU9f_LUtI/AAAAAAAByhE/JuGTaYuh1wg5sqaxh1AqpXDJ9I6FMvZiQCLcB/s400/629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />And because everyone else was doing it, he thought he should too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ9l4PcnAxs/WQbVTyTQcZI/AAAAAAAByhI/OfZqvnQCEl4EfxbGVGEpzzYEhww0H4iCQCLcB/s1600/648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ9l4PcnAxs/WQbVTyTQcZI/AAAAAAAByhI/OfZqvnQCEl4EfxbGVGEpzzYEhww0H4iCQCLcB/s400/648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once again there are heaps of starfish photo's, but I particularly like this one.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HomyplrHYQs/WQbVyh12OtI/AAAAAAAByhM/XjRmwl9HT505UzqCHoBc39QV6m3MgCVrgCLcB/s1600/825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HomyplrHYQs/WQbVyh12OtI/AAAAAAAByhM/XjRmwl9HT505UzqCHoBc39QV6m3MgCVrgCLcB/s400/825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />A view through the glass bottom boat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pT5H5QZ1yDQ/WQbWYyvUaTI/AAAAAAAByhU/TVVJg9DXlIQCUNlrTHu7fsF1ULk8z6WIwCLcB/s1600/697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pT5H5QZ1yDQ/WQbWYyvUaTI/AAAAAAAByhU/TVVJg9DXlIQCUNlrTHu7fsF1ULk8z6WIwCLcB/s400/697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This little guy was found sitting in the trees just out the front of our room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeE9L7dzM1o/WQbXKMN-0xI/AAAAAAAByhc/wtpmrQA2pp4aZlemZXzy-iF3J6fqxj1BwCLcB/s1600/153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeE9L7dzM1o/WQbXKMN-0xI/AAAAAAAByhc/wtpmrQA2pp4aZlemZXzy-iF3J6fqxj1BwCLcB/s400/153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once again in the garden at the back of our room.<br /><br />Taking these truly helped each of them to observe so much more than if they would have done by simply walking around. I hope to get some of these added to our hand drawn nature journals soon.<br /><br />If you would like to see more of what we got up to on the island please follow along with our <a href="http://raynersontheroad.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Moreton%20Island" target="_blank">family adventure blog.</a><br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kyliehttp://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/05/give-kid-camera.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-3968069363231749560Tue, 11 Apr 2017 10:44:00 +00002017-04-11T20:47:25.513+10:00Computer CourseReviewsReviews: Online LearningTOS 2017Digital Savvy ~ Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1qF1uibxLE/WOwF6mEJ53I/AAAAAAABydY/OJR1sdoJuR8r0kCa8_pad-q34zF2m_lvgCLcB/s1600/digital%2Bsavvy%2Bfacebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1qF1uibxLE/WOwF6mEJ53I/AAAAAAABydY/OJR1sdoJuR8r0kCa8_pad-q34zF2m_lvgCLcB/s400/digital%2Bsavvy%2Bfacebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">In this age of technology it is really important for our students to understand fundamental computing topics so I knew I had to review the new <a class="bbc_link" href="http://www.compuscholar.com/homeschool/courses/digital-savvy/" target="_blank">Digital Savvy</a> course from <a class="bbc_link" href="http://www.compuscholar.com/homeschool" target="_blank">CompuScholar, Inc.</a> My teen has been using the information technology course, 'Digital Savvy' which we were given access to for the purposes of this review.</span><br /><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">What is Digital Savvy.</span></h4><span style="font-size: small;">CompuScholar, Inc formerly known as Homeschool Programming has a range of computer courses aimed at middle and high school aged students.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Digital Savvy is aimed at grades 6 - 12 and is an overall Information Technology course. It aims to teach the students about computers, various applications, it explores social media, has them creating simple web pages.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The topics covered in the Digital Savvy course are:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Hardware, software, and operating systems</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Managing files and folders</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Basic networking</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Online safety and computer security</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Using Word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation programs</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Creating simple databases</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Image editing</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Using social media and email communications</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Introductory website design</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Simple computer programming concepts</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Exploration of computing careers</span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This is exactly the sort of course I have been wanting my teen to undertake.&nbsp; A good overview of all things I.T and so far this course has been valuable to him.</span><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">How We Have Used Digital Savvy</span></h4><span style="font-size: small;">This has been one of the easiest to use programs we have come across in a very long time. It is so well laid out and navigation is a real breeze. As a user you really can't get anything wrong.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After logging in to the program and selecting the Digital Savvy Course we were greeted with the screen below. There are a total of 25 Chapters in the course.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Each chapter contains several lessons, a brief quiz at the end of each lesson. A culminating activity and chapter exam is also included.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It really is as simple as log in and get started right where you left off the previous day. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Below I have shared a series of screenshots showing the progression through the program.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj5YR27Iu1w/WOylgRvE4pI/AAAAAAAByds/5V265R8AukkRTi8jgtLUGfj-56mE4CcNQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj5YR27Iu1w/WOylgRvE4pI/AAAAAAAByds/5V265R8AukkRTi8jgtLUGfj-56mE4CcNQCLcB/s400/IMG_3131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After logging into the Digital Savvy Course you are met with the chapters screen. Digital Savvy contains a total of 25 chapters.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ernZl9A-Kks/WOymFf3fTZI/AAAAAAAByd0/k6QQjtO-Hnw3Gj-fcRTyPhzobi2jPdoagCLcB/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ernZl9A-Kks/WOymFf3fTZI/AAAAAAAByd0/k6QQjtO-Hnw3Gj-fcRTyPhzobi2jPdoagCLcB/s400/IMG_3132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The lessons within each chapter are again very simple to navigate to. Each lesson contains a video and a quiz. All of the quizzes are graded. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tM4ZB9cck8k/WOynEXTmH-I/AAAAAAAByeA/VYluwHO_Kioe72c9f7x1mu59MUyK-1GRACLcB/s1600/IMG_3133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tM4ZB9cck8k/WOynEXTmH-I/AAAAAAAByeA/VYluwHO_Kioe72c9f7x1mu59MUyK-1GRACLcB/s400/IMG_3133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">At the end of each chapter (approximately 3 - 5 lessons) is a culminating activity or project. These are submitted to the teacher (parent) for grading and the grades are stored along with each of the lesson quizzes.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N08hJTLgYJM/WOync8a7_QI/AAAAAAAByeE/v-z9xP3IpCcWeuMponqAxTF7zYqEJFXAwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N08hJTLgYJM/WOync8a7_QI/AAAAAAAByeE/v-z9xP3IpCcWeuMponqAxTF7zYqEJFXAwCLcB/s400/IMG_3077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">On completion of all the lessons and the activity for each chapter is a longer multiple choice test, which once again, this is graded.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">What We Didn't Like</span></h4><span style="font-size: small;">My son and have been chatting about this and there really isn't anything he doesn't like about the course. Some of it he already knows but that will be the case with many things he undertakes. Whilst he still is only in the early chapters the short lessons and ease of use really make this such a simple subject for him and a very hands off one for me.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">What We Did Like</span></h4><span style="font-size: small;">For me as the teacher/parent I love that this is completely graded. All of his scores are kept and he can see his grades for each test immediately. He also has the option of repeating the test if he wishes to try and improve his score.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">To use the program effectively we need nothing other than our computer and a decent internet connection. Every now and then a pen and paper and a word processing program is required but the bulk of the course is completed through the course itself.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">As a busy mum with younger kids in the house that need my attention having the teen able to work independently, even on new to us courses, is such a blessing.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GE1PwsXxo0/WOyvfXxGBKI/AAAAAAAByeU/dtyGU7n8JI4mWII5bAn1dDytvDTC6bhZwCLcB/s1600/Homeschool%252520computer%252520programming_zpsyrl0vb4m.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GE1PwsXxo0/WOyvfXxGBKI/AAAAAAAByeU/dtyGU7n8JI4mWII5bAn1dDytvDTC6bhZwCLcB/s400/Homeschool%252520computer%252520programming_zpsyrl0vb4m.JPG" width="332" /></a></div><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">Looking Ahead</span></h4><span style="font-size: small;">Without a doubt we will continue working our way through this course to completion and I am very confident that I will have my other children take the Digital Savvy Course also as it is great computer science basics course.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">Further Details</span></h4><span style="font-size: small;">Payment options for courses are either month by month or year long access. To find out more details about this program be sure to visit the Compuscholar, Inc website. You can also find them on your favourite social media channels. Facebook - </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a class="bbc_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/CompuScholar" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/CompuScholar</a> Twitter -&nbsp; <a class="bbc_link" href="https://twitter.com/CompuScholar" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/CompuScholar</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to read other reviews about the various courses offered simply click on the image below.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span> <br /><center></center><center></center><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/digital-savvy-web-design-java-programming-compuscholarinc-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Digital Savvy, Web Design &amp; Java Programming {CompuScholar,Inc Reviews}" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></center><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHj6IDUG-hE/WOy0K8fCv2I/AAAAAAAByeg/9dIMTBBYtTcedx9SoEyLtmbuJo8125gawCLcB/s1600/digital%2Bsavvy%2Bpinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHj6IDUG-hE/WOy0K8fCv2I/AAAAAAAByeg/9dIMTBBYtTcedx9SoEyLtmbuJo8125gawCLcB/s640/digital%2Bsavvy%2Bpinterest.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" height="117" width="400" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/04/digital-savvy-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-4333948543652797234Wed, 05 Apr 2017 22:24:00 +00002017-04-06T10:37:58.628+10:002017floodsNatural DisasterNatureScience and NatureEx Tropical Cyclone Debbie Aftermath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96I03ohUDYk/WOVknKw_fFI/AAAAAAABycI/3q9EqqW4k0gbHNl9126rmlfSGRhe94bxwCLcB/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96I03ohUDYk/WOVknKw_fFI/AAAAAAABycI/3q9EqqW4k0gbHNl9126rmlfSGRhe94bxwCLcB/s400/043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We recently experienced one of the worst natural disasters our local area has seen in a very long time. I personally have no memory of anything ever hitting our area as hard as this.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">In less than 30 hours our area had 890 mm of rain dropped on us. No wonder it had nowhere to go. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDpc9E_H4l4/WOVlGxf0X6I/AAAAAAABycM/WX_CZTpSPn42NlYYLFZAYMb9lO1kpSeYACLcB/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDpc9E_H4l4/WOVlGxf0X6I/AAAAAAABycM/WX_CZTpSPn42NlYYLFZAYMb9lO1kpSeYACLcB/s400/044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We though, are the lucky ones and whilst being placed on a possible evacuation list was mightily scary our only real threat was that of surrounding roads being cut off.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3d0uR1wkI6E/WOVllkx0IyI/AAAAAAABycU/M2l4pHqpr6gvn537ssgOCoE7l2b3BsGQgCLcB/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3d0uR1wkI6E/WOVllkx0IyI/AAAAAAABycU/M2l4pHqpr6gvn537ssgOCoE7l2b3BsGQgCLcB/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">And cut off they were and still are. The above three images are from a road that we use almost daily. The sheer force of the water is simply unimaginable.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMSANfbl6ew/WOVmOX28WQI/AAAAAAABycc/Dl0om1k0Pr0efNuz_mqYXnywyxZrxSLCwCLcB/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMSANfbl6ew/WOVmOX28WQI/AAAAAAABycc/Dl0om1k0Pr0efNuz_mqYXnywyxZrxSLCwCLcB/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This is a major bridge and thoroughfare for our area and we cross this bridge at least once a week. It is an area of the river that floods regularly, but that happens way down below the bridge, across the old original bridge that is much closer to the actual river flow height.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8rV4hZ3_PI/WOVmq9m67tI/AAAAAAABycg/BrcZWPKx0H8Q5ozH6RRqzhpD7BCxFrxhACLcB/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8rV4hZ3_PI/WOVmq9m67tI/AAAAAAABycg/BrcZWPKx0H8Q5ozH6RRqzhpD7BCxFrxhACLcB/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This newer bridge is several metres higher than the flow of the river and has received extensive structural damage.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_MeLm0wGTw/WOVnCtUurOI/AAAAAAAByck/cTwzaiSixm0JzzT1G8WL2zAYVQA8pZiJQCLcB/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_MeLm0wGTw/WOVnCtUurOI/AAAAAAAByck/cTwzaiSixm0JzzT1G8WL2zAYVQA8pZiJQCLcB/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">For water to bend a light pole is simply mind blowing.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcWFvRluE9o/WOVn-sbmO4I/AAAAAAABycs/K3X3OXQPLJ8vJZn10qXumhS26CGqLSbcQCLcB/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcWFvRluE9o/WOVn-sbmO4I/AAAAAAABycs/K3X3OXQPLJ8vJZn10qXumhS26CGqLSbcQCLcB/s400/034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The kids could not believe their eyes and this was absolutely hands down the best way to show them the reasons why they never ever enter flood water or try to cross a bridge that is covered with flood water.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">We simply have no idea what is under that water and whether the bridge is even actually still there, as happened a few kilometers from us.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">So whilst we certainly didn't want to experience a natural distaster on this scale and my heart breaks for everyone that has been so severely affected by this, it truly is education at it's best.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Eyes glued to the weather radar, watching the cyclone, tracking it's moves, discussing the eye and then watching how it breaks up as it heads south.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Then sitting through the torrential rain, only to wake and see the worst flooding we've seen right across the road from us.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Nature's fury right there in all its glory. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7z9_unJR1M/WOVolgCT9YI/AAAAAAAByc0/7KK69RLYzsgsqu-O0kXZePlDRdBSUHHrgCLcB/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7z9_unJR1M/WOVolgCT9YI/AAAAAAAByc0/7KK69RLYzsgsqu-O0kXZePlDRdBSUHHrgCLcB/s400/051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The vast majority of the time flooding creates nothing but havoc and devastation but every so often it creates a beautiful scene and the stillness of what appeared to simply be a lake was quite beautiful, except that it was covering a road, had entered several houses in this area and took lives, both animal and human.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Simply heartbreaking.</span>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/04/ex-tropical-cyclone-debbie-aftermath.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-5051418052739450174Mon, 20 Mar 2017 21:15:00 +00002017-03-23T07:32:16.769+10:002017Art and CraftArt ClassesReviewsSchoolhouse Review CrewTOS 2017Creating A Masterpiece ~ Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yS7ramSuz3g/WM9422LMdTI/AAAAAAAByZw/FRxZUwUTXNII4ZRyHprLhaLKGXlzAh5TACLcB/s1600/cam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yS7ramSuz3g/WM9422LMdTI/AAAAAAAByZw/FRxZUwUTXNII4ZRyHprLhaLKGXlzAh5TACLcB/s400/cam.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">We are currently receiving excellent fine art lessons via the monthly plan from<a href="http://www.creatingamasterpiece.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Creating A Masterpiece</a>. Our family has been access to this online program in return for our honest review.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">What Is Creating A Masterpiece.</span></h4><span style="font-size: small;">C.A.M is an online subscription based fine arts program, that is suitable for students of all ages. We were provided access to the <a href="http://www.creatingamasterpiece.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monthly Plan</a> option. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The video lessons are presented by the artist herself, in an easy to follow step by step manner.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">All the lessons are broken into appropriate levels so that you can easily assess the difficulty of which level would best suit the child.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">In all there are six levels, plus an art history section, to choose from. Within each level are several art projects all using a wide variety of mediums.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This is not an arts and crafts or simplistic art projects program. This is a fine arts program designed for school age students.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">How We Have Used The Program.</span></h4><br /><span style="font-size: small;">When we were first given our family access to C.A.M we immediately set out to explore the site. There is a large number of projects for the children to choose from. After a good look around in each level, watching a few video snippets and downloading the printable supply sheets for a couple of the projects, we settled on choosing an introductory level lesson.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvzWKDxmAA8/WM995YoROxI/AAAAAAAByaA/BHudZIOCz54QSyJGLhAzGicD0Ng4CZ6WgCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvzWKDxmAA8/WM995YoROxI/AAAAAAAByaA/BHudZIOCz54QSyJGLhAzGicD0Ng4CZ6WgCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Lessons In Watercolour: Floral Medley</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This particular lesson was broken into three step by step videos and it required drying time before moving on to the next step in the video lessons.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Sharon, the artist, walks the students through every step of the process. At first we tried to keep up with her, only pausing the video when we needed. We quickly realised for us it was better to watch the video all the way through and to then go back and begin the lesson ourselves, referring back to the video when required.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">From there we moved on to a lesson using oil pastels. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Saj8MVA5Bco/WM9_eUuFTZI/AAAAAAAByaM/eFPf38Zla4QKl9YRh8-EaPJDAX-BPoxjQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2938.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Saj8MVA5Bco/WM9_eUuFTZI/AAAAAAAByaM/eFPf38Zla4QKl9YRh8-EaPJDAX-BPoxjQCLcB/s400/IMG_2938.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Lesson In Oil Pastel: Winter Cabin</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This was a longer lesson with four videos in all, which the kids chose to complete over a couple of days.&nbsp; Each lesson also includes a section with hints and tips to assist you in getting the best out of the video lessons.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">My teen decided to tackle one of the lessons with something a little more challenging for him. He does enjoy his art and seems to me to have a natural flair and this program is a good fit for him to be able to work quietly and independently.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHSIx4rMCLA/WM-BJeH_LZI/AAAAAAAByaY/aC7A0PaBSt8GCrsOXATj3Qr7ot3AmQraQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHSIx4rMCLA/WM-BJeH_LZI/AAAAAAAByaY/aC7A0PaBSt8GCrsOXATj3Qr7ot3AmQraQCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Lesson In Soft Pastel: Country Rooster</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">As I type he is sitting across from me on the other computer browsing the lessons for his next choice.</span><br /><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">What We Didn't Like</span></h4><br /><span style="font-size: small;">There's actually not a lot we didn't like about this program. If I had to pick something it would be that my youngest does not thrive in this type of video based art instruction. This is the third program of a similar nature that we have tried and I have come to realise that for now at least this type of art instruction is not for him.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">He finds it all quite overwhelming, the watching, the doing, the remembering it all and then add in the fact that his piece never looks like the piece in the video and he simply doesn't enjoy it. My eldest two though are fine working with a video based instruction program, so you just need to really know your kids.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwZN2-JWV8M/WM-Iiv1mHII/AAAAAAABya0/p-QYFlunJZcfi2voO9hqPAKtMKkm3ilMwCLcB/s1600/Temp50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwZN2-JWV8M/WM-Iiv1mHII/AAAAAAABya0/p-QYFlunJZcfi2voO9hqPAKtMKkm3ilMwCLcB/s400/Temp50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">What We Did Like</span></h4><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The variety of what was on offer and the depth at which the student can go if they wish. Some of those upper level pieces are really quite involved, so even some of the most accomplished artists will not be bored here.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The fact that this is true art. It is not craft. It is not cookie cutter art either, that you often see in other programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Now that we have settled in to the program I love simply adding 'art' to the list of topics to be completed this week and my eldest two can get themselves online and choose their own project and complete it entirely on their own.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I also really like the variety of mediums on offer in the various lessons:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Acrylic<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Batik<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Block Printing<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Carving<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Conte' Crayon<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Copper Tooling<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Glass Mosaic<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gouache<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ink<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mixed Media<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oil Painting<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oil Pastel<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pencil/Charcoal<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sculpture<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Silk Painting<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soft Pastel<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Watercolor<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wood Burning</span><br /><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">Looking Ahead</span></h4><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We were given access to Creating A Masterpiece for six months, in return for our honest review. It has absolutely found a staple place in our week and it will continue to be used here in our homeschool.</span><br /><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;">Further Details</span></h4><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I always love a true, 'try before you buy' and you can do this with Creating a Masterpiece, with their <a href="https://www.creatingamasterpiece.com/free-sample-project" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free sample project.</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">To view the various ways to subscribe to the Creating A Masterpiece website visit their <a href="http://www.creatingamasterpiece.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscription page.</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Want to know more? Visit their website or follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/createamasterpiece" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creating A Masterpiece on facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xm7qLnu3dYc/WM-F1lywKAI/AAAAAAAByak/dTPHH8V1aPoSGy1u9EyGe6xpp8E1uICKQCLcB/s1600/CAM-Logo-Final%252520horizontal_zpsevw9craw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xm7qLnu3dYc/WM-F1lywKAI/AAAAAAAByak/dTPHH8V1aPoSGy1u9EyGe6xpp8E1uICKQCLcB/s400/CAM-Logo-Final%252520horizontal_zpsevw9craw.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you have found this review helpful. If you would like to see more reviews about this vendor from other crew members <a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/creating-beautiful-art-at-home-creating-a-masterpiece-reviews/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">simply visit this link.</a>&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Check Out My ART Pinterest Board!</b><br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="450" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="220" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://au.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/subjects-art/"></a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/03/creating-masterpiece-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-1865411235710875034Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:39:00 +00002017-03-17T07:06:30.269+10:002017ReviewsReviews: BooksTOS 2017Circle C Stepping Stones ~ Book Review<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZqHeFe1ftY/WMXHVCuBSAI/AAAAAAAByXw/R3SIe-ZsxQE1heP9GKs4sBIhvpfhacEawCLcB/s1600/circlec%2Bbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZqHeFe1ftY/WMXHVCuBSAI/AAAAAAAByXw/R3SIe-ZsxQE1heP9GKs4sBIhvpfhacEawCLcB/s400/circlec%2Bbooks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />My daughter and I have been digging in to the world of Andi and her pals, with these <a href="http://www.circlecsteppingstones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circle C Stepping Stones</a> books written by <a href="http://www.susankmarlow.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Susan K. Marlow </a>and published by <a href="http://www.kregel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kregel Publications</a>. We received the first two books, Andi Saddles Up and Andi Under The Big Top, in return for our honest review.<br /><br />The first in the series, <a href="http://www.kregel.com/fiction/andi-saddles-up/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andi Saddles Up</a>, takes the reader back in time to the Circle C Ranch during the year of 1877. The book introduces nine year old Andrea Carter, on her birthday. Andi is extremely excited, given that it is not only her birthday but that she is also now old enough to ride Taffy, her beloved horse.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BC4VxYoVbV8/WMXHbhJFR7I/AAAAAAAByX0/8imFpIwg7iormxv8cx3pHGF7xJhp6ASLwCLcB/s1600/Andi%252520Saddles%252520Up_zpscht81kba.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BC4VxYoVbV8/WMXHbhJFR7I/AAAAAAAByX0/8imFpIwg7iormxv8cx3pHGF7xJhp6ASLwCLcB/s400/Andi%252520Saddles%252520Up_zpscht81kba.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><br />Andi dreams of learning to trick ride, just like her friend Riley always used to do, but her big brother Chad simply won't hear of it. Chad has been the man around the farm since their father passed away.<br /><br />Andi goes on to meet a new friend, Sadie, but Sadie's Pa is in a land boundary dispute with Chad and things are very tricky. Can Andi and Sadie continue to be friends?<br /><br />Whilst they aren't in abundance the illustrations that are contained in the novel are beautiful hand drawn sketches and just add that little extra to the story. <br /><br />This story contains some wonderful life lessons and Andi certainly learns some hard and painful ones throughout the story.<br /><br />It's a great one to read together, that's for sure, as both adults and children alike can take something away from this. My daughter read this aloud to me a little each day and after each reading we moved to the free printable study guide that is available on the Kregel Publications website.<br /><br />The study guide includes chapter comprehension questions, vocabulary word practice, crosswords, poetry writing activities, character activities and more. It was a good way to extend on the reading.<br /><br />If you have a daughter that loves horses and farm life then she is sure to enjoy getting in to this adventure with Andi.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QlaKw17p4bI/WMXJiPZhKWI/AAAAAAAByX8/4lb6dG7we_UdRJDzMg9vWBbOiB9Uo2JRACLcB/s1600/Andi%252520Under%252520the%252520Big%252520Top_zpsukesair7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QlaKw17p4bI/WMXJiPZhKWI/AAAAAAAByX8/4lb6dG7we_UdRJDzMg9vWBbOiB9Uo2JRACLcB/s400/Andi%252520Under%252520the%252520Big%252520Top_zpsukesair7.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><br />We also received the second book in the Circle C Stepping Stones series, <a href="http://www.kregel.com/fiction/andi-under-the-big-top/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andi Under The Big Top</a>.<br /><br />It's summer on the Circle C Ranch and the circus is coming to town. One needs to remember that it is the year 1877 and having something like a circus arrive in town with all of those exotic animals really is a big deal!.<br /><br />As you can imagine Andi is brimming with excitement to get along to the circus and to watch the show. She is somewhat wary of the clowns but goes on to thoroughly enjoy the circus.<br /><br />Whilst there she meets a young boy, name Henry Jackson, who has run away and joined the circus. It seems like it is everyone's dream, to run away and join the circus doesn't it? But is Henry really loving his life? There is much more to his story than first appears.<br /><br />Andi decides that she needs to help her new friend but at what cost?<br /><br />Again this installment brings many life lessons. Can Andi really help Henry to find his way back home?<br /><br />Once again there are a few beautiful illustrations scattered throughout the book and a free study guide is also available to download.<br /><br />My daughter is slightly above the recommended age range for these books and we did notice at times that they were probably on the young side for her. We did notice on the website though that there are other series following Andi as she grows up so we will take a closer look at those.<br /><br />Overall we both enjoyed these, although felt Andi Saddles Up grabbed our attention more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lllPyL6oIxI/WMXS5PkairI/AAAAAAAByYQ/4cL71vsHvhMSl2aMY0toHQlEFAfY_rOeQCLcB/s1600/Kregel%252520Logo_zps2yxjhgoz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lllPyL6oIxI/WMXS5PkairI/AAAAAAAByYQ/4cL71vsHvhMSl2aMY0toHQlEFAfY_rOeQCLcB/s320/Kregel%252520Logo_zps2yxjhgoz.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />If you would like to read further reviews of these books by other Homeschool Review Crew members simply click on the graphic below.<br /><br />You can also find more details about this series via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SusanKMarlow?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Susan K. Marlow's</a> facebook page.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/andi-series-kregel-publications-and-susan-k-marlow-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Andi Series {Kregel Publications and Susan K. Marlow Reviews}" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />I trust this review has helped you to learn a little more about the Circle C Stepping Stones range.<br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" /></a></center><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/03/circle-c-stepping-stones-book-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-1123259667690749584Sun, 19 Feb 2017 22:18:00 +00002017-02-20T08:18:50.433+10:002017High SchoolHomeschool EncouragementMy RamblingsNot Back To School Blog HopHomeschool TransitionsHere we are at Week Four, the final week of the <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Not%20Back%20To%20School%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank">Not Back To School Blog Hop</a>. If you missed the first few weeks why not go back and check them out, there's been some great posts shared by some of my fellow Aussie Homeschool Bloggers.<br /><br /><a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/hope-dreams-goals-for-our-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">Week One</a> we chatted about our <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/hope-dreams-goals-for-our-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">hopes, dreams and goals </a>for the year ahead.<br /><br /><a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/the-way-we-school.html" target="_blank">Week Two</a> saw us talking about <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/the-way-we-school.html" target="_blank">how we school</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/2017-homeschool-resources.html" target="_blank">Week Three</a> our focus was on <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/2017-homeschool-resources.html" target="_blank">resources</a> for the year ahead.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_V4kTa5YoQ/WKoV9jk8a1I/AAAAAAAByS0/m8A37vCIU0o2ggmqwhWvf1myo4TWnEmGwCLcB/s1600/high%2Bschool%2Btransitions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_V4kTa5YoQ/WKoV9jk8a1I/AAAAAAAByS0/m8A37vCIU0o2ggmqwhWvf1myo4TWnEmGwCLcB/s400/high%2Bschool%2Btransitions.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br />This year we are transitioning into much more serious work. My eldest has entered his final three years of home schooling and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little bit freaked out by that for various reasons.<br /><br />He and I have chatted at length about the future ahead. We've both agreed that ensuring he has a strong educational base to leave here with is of the utmost importance to all of us.<br /><br />That's not to say that we've spent the past ten years of our home ed experience sitting around twiddling our thumbs because we certainly haven't. We've simply done things differently over the years to what we are doing today.<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">"Today is about more structure, more focus and more accountability on both of our parts."</h3><br />Is this an easy transition for us?<br /><br />No, it isn't. I'm tired already and we aren't even halfway through our first term. I am already checking the calendar for our next school break and he is most definitely feeling the added pressure.<br /><br />But we are simply forming new habits and doing so takes time, hard work,&nbsp; diligence and perseverance. New habits are not formed over night.<br /><br />Would we have found this easier if we'd been doing what I guess could be called a more standard model of homeschooling over the years? Without a doubt I believe so yes, as it would simply be a natural progression. Do I wish I could go back and change how we have done things over the past ten years. Without a doubt, NO!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuKDrefwt3o/WKoXzGW8lwI/AAAAAAAByTE/iS1rI8DLedYI8x531G8-b74jIKg3eRD5wCLcB/s1600/skateboard-331751_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuKDrefwt3o/WKoXzGW8lwI/AAAAAAAByTE/iS1rI8DLedYI8x531G8-b74jIKg3eRD5wCLcB/s400/skateboard-331751_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I wholeheartedly embrace the notion that children need play and lots of it, even when they are teens. They need loads of time to tend to themselves, to be bored, to explore, to seek out their own interests and to simply just be. Most often the way to achieve this is by lots of unstructured learning and bucket loads of down time. All of which we have experienced over the years.<br /><br />I also feel we are finding this much harder simply because we are coming off the back of a very haphazard year.<br /><br />Now don't get me wrong, I do not believe in any way that I have placed to high expectations on either myself or my tenth grader. I know some of you showed concerns when I shared our resource list, but I will come back to how we are using those resources in another post.<br /><br />He is still doing far less 'sit down at a desk' academic type work than some of this other home schooled and public schooled peers. Granted he's also doing more than others too. But this is not about what anyone else is doing. It is only about him.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oirOTJZNnAU/WKoWjYdltkI/AAAAAAAByS4/iYwhnsom0Nk4jNaKgyd_HK1zAVQkY3HpQCLcB/s1600/book-759873_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oirOTJZNnAU/WKoWjYdltkI/AAAAAAAByS4/iYwhnsom0Nk4jNaKgyd_HK1zAVQkY3HpQCLcB/s400/book-759873_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Through our entire homeschooling period one of the most important things to me has been one of 'enjoying life'. That really has been of our big driving forces in home schooling. To not be bound by school terms, school rules, school work and everything else that goes along with attending regular school. We are free to do as we please and simply live life on our terms, not one dictated to us by the institution that is school.<br /><br />I always said that as a home school family if the kids get to a stage where they don't have enough time to simply enjoy themselves then they might as well be in school. Sitting at home on their own completing school work all day every day is no fun for anyone. At least if they were at a high school they would get to talk to other teens.<br /><br />I have always vowed that our home school would never become like that and so we find ourselves in that tricky place of transitioning.<br /><br />Of ensuring we keep the wonder, the fun and the excitement alive. Ensuring there is plenty of 'play time' and time for friends, yet making certain that the academics are not being left behind.<br /><br />Whilst it is still only early days in the year some of the things we have done to help us ease into our new routine is - - &gt;<br /><br />A thorough weekly check list for the tenth grader. This gives him the freedom to work on what he chooses, but by having a full week's overview he can easily see what he may be favouring and what subjects he isn't getting in enough of.<br /><br />Using this though is going to take some work. Whilst we've tried checklists over the years, they've never been something we've stuck with so it will take work and even then I can't be sure it is something we will continue with.<br /><br />The checklist is not only for him though it also helps me to see where he is at and I use the info on the checklist to plug everything in to a private blog he and I have.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZRXxfUw0yk/WKoWsLezsbI/AAAAAAAByS8/4WgSdadbkX4vT2crIuk1CbFDkjVzKhnFQCLcB/s1600/planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZRXxfUw0yk/WKoWsLezsbI/AAAAAAAByS8/4WgSdadbkX4vT2crIuk1CbFDkjVzKhnFQCLcB/s400/planner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The blog is our primary record keeping tool. I am currently adding in every thing he does in his day onto the blog. This means being diligent in snapping photo's, keeping up with everything he is doing, scanning documents and then adding all of this to a post each week.<br /><br />I must admit though I am really loving being able to open the blog and see what he's accomplished. In previous years there was a little part of me that wondered how much we were actually doing and now I know because it is right there in front of me.<br /><br />We also need to start a portfolio of sorts, but as yet I don't really know how we will go about that. For now I think at the end of the first term we will go through what has been completed and decide what is worthy to go into the "high school years portfolio". That one needs some more thinking on though.<br /><br />The other challenge for us is that we still have two younger kids in the house and so we find ourselves in the position of having two kids that have completed their structured work and are off doing things of their own interest whilst the tenth grader is still going at it with his work. That also means that for me I am still 'switched on' for a much longer period in my day than what I have been in the past.<br /><br />Being certain that we have a serious focus whilst work is being completed, that we are keeping track of work that has been completed in an adequate fashion and also adding in more assignment based explorations is challenging. I also know that the accomplishments at the end of the week are great.<br /><br />The other factor is he currently doesn't have a direction he is working towards. Now that is totally fine my be and him, but it does leave us in a situation of not really knowing what is going to be important or not. And so for this year at least we are exploring what we can, ensuring we have a wide enough, yet deep enough coverage in the subject areas for him.<br /><br />As always, plans change, we will always remain very fluid and at any given time if his direction changes then everything he is doing will no doubt change to suit that. These next few years are all about meeting him where he is at and constantly reassessing what we are doing on a daily basis. Actually as I type that I realise that that part of home school is no different.<br /><br />So for now this is where we are at. A place of forming new habits as we both enter what is new territory for us.<br /><br />Be sure to read the other bloggers posts linked up below. Simply click on one of the square images to be taken to their blog.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPU0RlmWQh0/WKoUImB1K_I/AAAAAAABySs/-4csvQoS-JopH0KibuP_G4PwK5HxQAyMACLcB/s1600/nbts2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPU0RlmWQh0/WKoUImB1K_I/AAAAAAABySs/-4csvQoS-JopH0KibuP_G4PwK5HxQAyMACLcB/s400/nbts2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=276875" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script --> <br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/02/homeschool-transitions.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-4686787982858963346Sat, 11 Feb 2017 04:52:00 +00002017-02-11T14:52:38.412+10:002017Not Back To School Blog HopOur CurriculumResources2017 Homeschool ResourcesHere we are at week three of our <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Not%20Back%20To%20School%20Blog%20Hop" target="_blank">not back to school blog hop</a>. This week our theme is that of 'Resources'. This is generally an area that everyone is interested in. It's always helpful to see what others are using and even more so if you happen to find a new to you product that may just be what you're looking for.<br /><br />Don't forget to visit the other blogs by clicking on their links in the images at the bottom of this post.<br /><br />If you still need to catch up on week one, <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/hope-dreams-goals-for-our-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">our hopes, dreams and goals for the year ahead</a> or week two,&nbsp; <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/the-way-we-school.html" target="_blank">the way we school</a>, then now would be a great time to do that!<br /><br />I must admit this year has well and truly got a head start on me. I'm still back at January first, in many ways, to be honest. Whilst we've well and truly started back with all of our book work and most of our regular activities I'm yet to actually write up and share a list of our resources for my two younger kids (7th &amp; 3rd grades). The days have been full and have left little time to write I'm afraid.<br /><br />As soon as I get that done I will come back and edit this post. For now though I do have our resources for my 10th grader which you can see <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/10th-grade-homeschool-curriculum.html" target="_blank">here &gt;&gt;&gt;</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydQPQ3Ho9Wg/WJ6QZCXibeI/AAAAAAAByOI/kpcMIF_kS4EzcrKsX1UfzAMjR1gT3kgrQCLcB/s1600/10th%2BGrade%2BHomeschool%2BCurriculum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10th grade homeschool curriculum" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydQPQ3Ho9Wg/WJ6QZCXibeI/AAAAAAAByOI/kpcMIF_kS4EzcrKsX1UfzAMjR1gT3kgrQCLcB/s400/10th%2BGrade%2BHomeschool%2BCurriculum.jpg" title="10th grade homeschool curriculum" width="242" /></a></div><br />He and I have also started a private high school blog. This is where we will record all of his learning that happens. It also includes lists of all of his resources and go to websites for him. I have started creating his assignments in a blog post too.<br /><br />So far we are really liking this set up for record keeping and assignment setting. The goal will be to get to the stage where he is adding all of his own record keeping. We will also use this as a way for his over seeing school to easily look in on his work.<br /><br />Be sure to read the other bloggers posts linked up below. Simply click on one of the square images.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5gFGfDzY5E/WJ6W_mFp6XI/AAAAAAAByOY/49OhQsZoJUs6yew2pyC506TVyfh9RI3AACLcB/s1600/nbts2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5gFGfDzY5E/WJ6W_mFp6XI/AAAAAAAByOY/49OhQsZoJUs6yew2pyC506TVyfh9RI3AACLcB/s320/nbts2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=276722" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script --><br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/02/2017-homeschool-resources.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-3438541698087817494Thu, 09 Feb 2017 09:13:00 +00002017-02-09T19:13:23.239+10:002017Our CurriculumResources10th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2017<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWjfSWNr_ew/WJwwCUbL0GI/AAAAAAAByNw/_5JqtnVijqUKjD4TNavSSAhlqgRUTdYCQCLcB/s1600/10th%2BGrade%2BHomeschool%2BCurriculum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWjfSWNr_ew/WJwwCUbL0GI/AAAAAAAByNw/_5JqtnVijqUKjD4TNavSSAhlqgRUTdYCQCLcB/s640/10th%2BGrade%2BHomeschool%2BCurriculum.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br /><br />Well here we are, at the tale end of our schooling years for my first born. Oh how bittersweet these times are!<br /><br />It's so wonderful seeing him grow and flourish and gain more independence, but those times where he would curl up on my lap, or the hours we spent pouring over picture books, or when he would, completely on his own accord, offer you his very last sweet, all seem like they were only yesterday. How I wish I could have those days back, those slow, carefree, full of cuddles days.<br /><br />Any how, this wasn't meant to be an all out sappy post so let's get on with it. We are doing Grade 10 officially this year. Following are the resources we have chosen. In some areas it will appear as though we are doing way too much but I am now looking at these last years as a whole, so many of them will continue to be used into next year and maybe even the following, depending on where he is at.<br /><br /><u><b>Family Morning Basket</b></u><br /><br />*Read Alouds - his choice &amp; mine<br />*Logic Of English - we are taking our time slowly working through this, it is an extra but we like it<br />*Rotations of - Nature Journal, Artist Study, Current Events, Character Study, You Tube Learning<br /><br /><u><b>Mathematics</b></u><br /><br />*Math U See - Algebra 1, moving into Geometry sometime in the year<br />*Life Of Fred - Pre Algebra with Physics, he is continuing to supplement with LOF, keeping a little behind where he is at with MUS so that he can come back around and practice, in a different format, already learned material.<br />*Brainetics with co-op - full of fun math tricks <br /><br /><b><u>English/Language Arts</u></b><br /><br />*Institute Of Excellence in Writing - Level C (with co-op)<br />*Word Up for Vocabulary (we didn't get to this last year)<br />*Logic Of English, covers spelling &amp; grammar<br />*All In One High School - we are going to take a look at the English over there this year, but just working slowly on it, will see how we go with this one<br />*Novel Studies<br />*Assigned Reading<br />*Free Choice Reading<br /><br /><u><b>Science</b></u><br /><br />*Exploration Education Advanced Physical Science Kit<br />*Engineering topics with our co-op, including a Science Fair<br />*We hope to look at the Physics over at All In One High School, will just see how things are going in that area.<br />*You Tube supplements from Crash Course Physics and Doc Schuster Physics<br />*I believe our co-op is looking at Joy Hakim Story of Science for later in the year<br />*Plus supplementary living books on physics<br /><br /><b><u>History</u></b><br /><br />*Big History Project, we will be very much taking our time with this one<br />*Documentaries<br />*Living Books <br />*I believe our co-op is looking at Joy Hakim Story of Science for later in the year (history &amp; science)<br /><br /><u><b>Humanities</b></u><br /><br />*Australian Civics &amp; Citizenship with co-op<br />*Emergency Services Cadets Program with Rural Fire Brigade<br /><br /><u><b>Geography</b></u><br /><br />*He is still working through the Visits To Europe he began last year. This is really a supplementary course so it doesn't get looked at all that often.<br /><br /><u><b>The Arts</b></u><br /><br />*Drama Lessons<br />*Musical Theatre Productions with community theatre group<br />*Documentary Film Making with co-op<br />*Art Classes with a teacher<br />*Art Appreciation, morning basket and/or All In One Highschool course<br /><br /><u><b>Technology &amp; Design</b></u><br /><br />*Wacom Drawing Table<br />*Coding with Raspberry Pi with co-op<br />*We are currently chatting to an Art teacher about the possibility of doing some Technical Drawing classes with a small group of teens.<br /><br /><u><b>Sport</b></u><br /><br />*Sailing Lessons<br />*Karate Lessons<br /><br /><u><b>Home Econmics</b></u><br /><br />*Weekly Cooking of Family Meal<br />*Baking<br />*Washing<br />*Household Chores<br />*Managing his own money<br /><br /><u><b>Other</b></u><br /><br />*A resume is high on the list<br />*Studying for his Learners Permit<br />*Saving for a car eek!<br /><br />Seems like such a huge year when it is all typed up like that, but even with all of this I am still pleasantly surprised with just how relaxed most of our weeks are. He and I have chatted about ramping things up a little for this year, but mostly it's more about ensuring that whatever he chooses to do he gives it his best shot. As is always the case with each year, we are very fluid. We always have a plan but we are always open to plans changing.<br /><br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br /><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/02/10th-grade-homeschool-curriculum.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-8851079628058121800Sat, 04 Feb 2017 00:47:00 +00002017-02-04T10:49:44.525+10:002017Homeschool EncouragementNot Back To School Blog HopThe Way We School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's week two of the <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Not%20Back%20To%20School%20Blog%20Hop/" target="_blank">Not Back To School Blog Hop</a> for 2017! <br /><br />Have you all been and read the posts from the first week of our not back to school blog hop? If you haven't done that yet please go and check them out. You will find the links to them <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/hope-dreams-goals-for-our-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">here at the bottom of this post.</a><br /><br />This week our theme is<br /><br /><h3>The Way We School</h3><br />Like most homeschooling families, this has changed many times over, during the past eleven years for us. I try my hardest to be fluid, to meet the kids where they are at and to find ways that work for all of us. Simply <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/its-ok-to-be-ordinary.html" target="_blank">doing what works,</a> as opposed to what everyone else is doing, has been my mantra for quite some time now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qoaSM6nDH4/WJUhh6J6fSI/AAAAAAAByM8/jFkus2b-fGwWoGpHGl1PymBU-2iTOzyGwCLcB/s1600/do%2Bwhat%2Bworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qoaSM6nDH4/WJUhh6J6fSI/AAAAAAAByM8/jFkus2b-fGwWoGpHGl1PymBU-2iTOzyGwCLcB/s320/do%2Bwhat%2Bworks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />For now what has been working for us is a 4 pronged approach to homeschool. Those 4 prongs are made up of co-operative peer group learning, morning basket family group learning, independent rotation learning and doing one more thing.<br /><br />I'll give you all a quick overview of each of those prongs and how we roll with them.<br /><br /><h3>Co-operative Peer Group Learning</h3><br />This is an area that has grown exponentially for us over the past couple of years and for my teen especially has become an imperative part of his education. I am a strong believer that we all need a peer group and even more so as our children age. That's not say that I agree with sending off them for 6 - 8&nbsp; hours a day 5 days a week to spend all of that time with their peers. No way! But we do need peers, they help us see the world through their eyes, to learn from, to grow with, to bounce ideas and thoughts around. To be there for us celebrate to good times and hug us in the not so great times. Our peers help us navigate the world around us, they assist us in learning how to deal with others both in good times and bad. If we forego those experiences as a youngster then how will we ever learn to navigate the world that is full of strangers out there.<br /><br />However, co-operative learning for us needs to be quality, it needs to be able to mark off a true day of school. Yes we are absolutely having fun, but we are also learning and learning at a deeper level, not just gathering with others for socialising and calling it educational.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElxBq02XsVQ/WJUfPzKM8JI/AAAAAAAByMg/PU-x4YUhXY8IHsnBngAn9muHHA9EFaoaACLcB/s1600/camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElxBq02XsVQ/WJUfPzKM8JI/AAAAAAAByMg/PU-x4YUhXY8IHsnBngAn9muHHA9EFaoaACLcB/s320/camp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />So we currently partake in 2 co-operative learning days a week, during school terms. One runs for 6 weeks and the other for 8 weeks. One is very small with only 4 families involved, but it allows for a real closeness to grow. The small size also gives us the opportunity to really dig deeper in what we are studying and truly spend time on the things we need or want. For example our teens in that little group have spent the last 2 years working solidly through Australian History and a Creative Writing Program. We have time to take our time, we don't need to limit what we are doing to a short 8 week block.<br /><br />Our other co-op is larger, with around 35 children across a wide group of ages in attendance. This co-op is a bustling hive of activity and all of us enjoy our co-op days immensely.<br /><br /><h3>Morning Basket, Family Group Learning</h3><br />I've mentioned <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/on-morning-baskets-and-one-more-thing.html" target="_blank">our morning basket time a bit here</a> on the blog, simply it is a way for us to gather together as a family. To bring all the various ages, abilities and interests of my kids together. A time to begin the day, to bond and to grow together.<br /><br />As the kids have grown they have needed to branch out and work more independently, morning basket has been our way of keeping at least part of our day for us to all be together.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa3TdFSP2UA/WJUgBMd0-MI/AAAAAAAByMs/TxO7k2gXeO0PGvpYbq7cAzzULdzLn0xkgCLcB/s1600/Morning%2BBasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa3TdFSP2UA/WJUgBMd0-MI/AAAAAAAByMs/TxO7k2gXeO0PGvpYbq7cAzzULdzLn0xkgCLcB/s320/Morning%2BBasket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3>Independent Rotations</h3><br />This part of our day is exactly as it sounds. Independent Rotations follows straight after our Morning Basket time. Basically each of the children complete independent work and then I rotate through seeing each of them.<br /><br />Each child heads off to their own area to work independently. For my 8 year old this means still having me very close by, but slowly he is becoming more and more independent in his work.&nbsp; As soon as he and I are done, he has some free time.<br /><br />I then move on to my middle child to go over her work and to complete anything we have that we do together. We also use this time to do more reading aloud, when it's just us and she can choose a book she really wants to read.<br /><br />Then she joins her little brother for a spot of free time and I head over to see what my eldest is up to. We don't meet every single day, but at least twice a week he and I will sit down together to chat about what he's up to and where he is headed.<br /><br />By that time it is well and truly lunch and we are all ready for a break.<br /><br /><h3>Doing One More Thing</h3><br />Now this is one area that I am really not very good at. We always start the year out well but I do tend to let this slip by the wayside. So once again my plan is to be more intentional with our 'doing one more thing'.<br /><br />All this simply means is that after lunch we do something else. It doesn't mean that it is an afternoon spent tied to the books. So basically it could be an art project, some history reading, a documentary to watch, a science experiment to complete etc etc.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjogfukqWNQ/WJUgQ1DrzyI/AAAAAAAByMw/N_zF-qNzbFsLCtb788n5dFhVyXUIBZFWwCLcB/s1600/do%2Bone%2Bmore%2Bthing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjogfukqWNQ/WJUgQ1DrzyI/AAAAAAAByMw/N_zF-qNzbFsLCtb788n5dFhVyXUIBZFWwCLcB/s320/do%2Bone%2Bmore%2Bthing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />In my head I see us rotating through topics and subjects for this part of our day and I have begun writing out some plans for this, but in reality it is more likely to be, let's just see where it takes us.<br /><br />And that then brings us to the end of the day, or the more structured, formal learning part of our days anyway. It's been working well for us and it is a routine we will continue to put into place until it longer works.<br /><br />How about you? Do you have a routine like structure to your day? Please share it the comments so others may be inspired. Or if you blog, why not join us in our blog hopping fun.<br /><br />Be sure to read the other bloggers posts on 'how they school' by visiting the links below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrKFgnnRVc0/WJUlD0VgTpI/AAAAAAAByNI/rQIKjb4Lyq4ykA-JPy8jacgFvWiZd6IAACLcB/s1600/nbts2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrKFgnnRVc0/WJUlD0VgTpI/AAAAAAAByNI/rQIKjb4Lyq4ykA-JPy8jacgFvWiZd6IAACLcB/s320/nbts2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=276532" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script --><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-way-we-school.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-7166466681430656914Sat, 28 Jan 2017 10:29:00 +00002017-01-28T20:29:30.669+10:002017Homeschool EncouragementNot Back To School Blog HopHope, Dreams & Goals For Our Year Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5h1oJTrBd8/WH1WYI9GGpI/AAAAAAAByJM/mqn4go9eyPArZTrB1iNTS3xhMbgt8FoOwCLcB/s1600/nbts2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5h1oJTrBd8/WH1WYI9GGpI/AAAAAAAByJM/mqn4go9eyPArZTrB1iNTS3xhMbgt8FoOwCLcB/s400/nbts2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Well the start of a new school year is already upon us! Once again I have teamed up with some of my <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Aussie%20Homeschool%20Blogs/" target="_blank">Australian Homeschool Blogging friends</a> to bring you four weeks of 'not back to school' blogging fun.<br /><br />Over the coming weeks we will all be blogging about our year ahead, and what we envisage that to look like for us. At the bottom of each 'not back to school' post you will find links to the other bloggers that have joined in. Simply click the image and it will take you to their blog and their post on the same topic.<br /><br />This is such a great way to get a well rounded overview on differing ideas. Two heads are better than one, so the saying goes and when it comes to planning for and setting up your year ahead this is definitely the case.<br /><br />If you are interested you can view past <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Not%20Back%20To%20School%20Blog%20Hop/" target="_blank">Not Back To School Blog Hops at this link</a>.<br /><br />Our first themed NBTS post is one of looking ahead, one of dreams of the future and of the goals we've laid down, not only for ourselves, but for our children, our family and our homeschools.<br /><br />And so as Walt Disney said:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1U9ur11gqw/WIL-GowW-vI/AAAAAAAByLA/lBp9XL51_8sC34QvfRm2qCRMP6y1T1lnwCLcB/s1600/start%2Bdoing%2Bwalt%2Bdisney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1U9ur11gqw/WIL-GowW-vI/AAAAAAAByLA/lBp9XL51_8sC34QvfRm2qCRMP6y1T1lnwCLcB/s400/start%2Bdoing%2Bwalt%2Bdisney.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We've had such a <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/ruminating-on-2016.html" target="_blank">tumultuous eighteen or so months </a>that our lovely homeschooling groove really has fallen by the wayside. We kept up our academics as best we could but it was very haphazard and snippets of time were grabbed when we could get them. Then there is the constant battle of the screens in all of the their various forms that have invaded our days and have affected how they pan out.<br /><br />Now I take full responsibility here for that one. I spent many years fighting screens, and not allowing mindless game playing, until finally giving in to the dreaded peer pressure, which at the time was Minecraft. This it seemed, has opened the flood gate. I know I am in a place where it can't be closed and in all honesty I don't want to close the gate completely. There are many valuable uses for the various screens and let's not forget the joy my kids derive from them. We all need a little mindless downtime here and there.<br /><br />As most of you are aware we were also experiencing some major life trauma's and my guard was down a great deal of the time. I just didn't have the emotional capacity to worry about my <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/on-saying-goodbye-to-very-dear-friend.html" target="_blank">dying friend </a>and how much time my kids were spending on screens. After all my kids are all fighting fit and healthy, my best friend was dying before my eyes. And so the kids easily gravitated to their screens more and more. Whilst part of me regrets allowing that to happen, I am choosing to give myself some grace here. Last year was a majorly 'sucky' one and I know I was doing the best that I was able to do given the circumstances.<br /><br />We've also moved from a very home centered school day to one where we partake in two relatively academic co-ops. These have been a wonderful addition to our lives in many aspects, but in part they have also made learning at home with just one's brother or sister appear a little boring.<br /><br />So, whilst I do have a long list of hopes, dreams and goals for the year ahead, my number one focus will be on bringing back the joy into our homeschool. Bringing back our focus, our routines and connecting our hearts once more so that our days at home together, albeit different, are just as joyous as the days we spend with our co-op friends, or the time the kids are playing with their screens.<br /><br />It's called balance isn't it and that is my main driving force for the year ahead. Bringing back the balance.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HD8208cEwjk/WIL_42gUC7I/AAAAAAAByLM/xsxikiTK-LIrAGWrO7EsepQhQ7KmivsgwCLcB/s1600/balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HD8208cEwjk/WIL_42gUC7I/AAAAAAAByLM/xsxikiTK-LIrAGWrO7EsepQhQ7KmivsgwCLcB/s400/balance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />What about you? I'd love to hear what your hopes and dreams are for the year ahead. Please share them in the comments.<br /><br />Don't forget that there are some other wonderful Homeschooling Blogs joining me in this post, just scroll down a little and click on the images to be taken directly to their posts about their hopes and dreams for the year.<br /><br /><br /><!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=276333" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script --><br /><br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/01/hope-dreams-goals-for-our-year-ahead.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-3962749751525578704Sat, 21 Jan 2017 00:19:00 +00002017-01-21T10:19:31.047+10:002017Homeschool EncouragementMy RamblingsEasing In To A New School Year<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lV4pKQ9re44/WIKmx6cD0uI/AAAAAAAByKY/Yd3AjR3sf1M531EyUgJQYkC4doXGpGiHgCLcB/s1600/easingintotheyear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lV4pKQ9re44/WIKmx6cD0uI/AAAAAAAByKY/Yd3AjR3sf1M531EyUgJQYkC4doXGpGiHgCLcB/s400/easingintotheyear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Can you smell it?<br /><br />The wonderful smell of a new year, with all of it's gifts just waiting to unfold before us.<br /><br />The plans have been made, the books have just about all arrived, shiny new stationery is sitting here just waiting to be picked up and used.<br /><br />If you're anything like me, the days just before a new school year are always somewhat bittersweet. I still yearn for the long, carefree days of summer, but at the same time I am so eager to get back into some kind of regular routine.<br /><br />Eager to open up and begin exploring all of the possibilities that a year ahead of learning will bring. Eager to jump right in and fill our days with all of that learning goodness.<br /><br />However, the kids on the other hand aren't generally as enthused as I am to begin a new year. Now please don't misunderstand me here, they are always happy to get started again and are especially eager for all of their regular activities, classes and co-ops to begin again but after such a long summer break it does take them a while to find their groove.<br /><br />These are always the moments when I consider year round schooling once more, however I know for at least this year that's not how we're going to roll. When the children were younger and we were a great deal more relaxed in our homeschooling, year round worked for us perfectly.<br /><br />Now though as the kids are all growing so quickly and things have gotten somewhat more structured, sticking relatively closely to school terms is what's working. Not forgetting that we are now heavily involved in two co-ops that also meet many of schooling needs and both of these fit within the regular Australian school terms of four per year.<br /><br />Anyway, I digress. Today I wanted to chat about the first couple of weeks of a new year straight after a very long break from regular lessons.<br /><br />I learned very quickly and very early on in our homeschool days that the kids find it incredibly difficult to simply jump back to all that is expected on the first day of school and often times they are still struggling to find a good groove into the second and third weeks of the year.<br /><br />This is where I've learned to slowly ease us back into things extra gently. It makes the transition as simple and smooth as possible for everyone.<br /><br />So this is what works for us, not saying it is the best way, it's just something that seems to work well here in our home.<br /><br />You would think that I would want to jump everyone very quickly back into the 3R's and of course we do need to get back to the basics of homeschooling. However that is not at all what I do.<br /><br />Day one will see us gathering together at the table, chatting about the year ahead. Even though we continually do this in a less formal manner throughout the summer break I always like to make sure we have a more formal discussion about some of the plans ahead.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQVfylM8dFY/WIKnhpEIRCI/AAAAAAAByKc/21TiQTulqycn7MtQkeZBkPjAl5BX4fG4QCLcB/s1600/newyear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQVfylM8dFY/WIKnhpEIRCI/AAAAAAAByKc/21TiQTulqycn7MtQkeZBkPjAl5BX4fG4QCLcB/s400/newyear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />From there we will have a look through the new offerings in our <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/on-morning-baskets-and-one-more-thing.html" target="_blank">morning basket</a> and hopefully get somewhat excited about what we find! I'll try and have the kids guide me here with what we actually begin from the morning basket, but it always involves lots of reading and generally some drawing.<br /><br />We will most likely head out for a casual lunch to celebrate our first official day back and folks that's about it for day one of a new school year. We may come home and watch a movie together but really it is a very laid back, casual day.<br /><br />Now day two is where things can get weird. Day one is generally always a pretty great day and therefore I'm super keen to add in a bit more the next day and I've learned from experience, trust me, that this is the day the heels will dig in. So this year I'll be trying my hardest to simply allow day two to flow, if the mood is great I will have an art or science lesson prepped and ready to go but if we don't get to it then that's ok too. There's always a documentary to watch together.<br /><br />Over the coming days we simply and slowly begin adding in little chunks of extra's. A history lesson here, a maths lesson there and continue along that way until we are back into our regular days and routine.<br /><br />Which in my head this year see's us following this basic structure. On a day in which we have no co-op and are home all day it will look like this. Begin all together with our morning basket, break into our independent rotations, with morning tea during this time and follow that up with an after lunch session of art, science, history or geography. I will try at some stage to come back and post in more depth about how we structure our days.<br /><br />So it really is a quite simple way to start the year off but at the end of the day if we don't have our kids hearts then we also don't have their minds. Therefore working together in a way that mutually suits both of us is simply the best way to get our year off to a great start.<br /><br />If you've struggled with the back to school blues with your kids I encourage you to let go of the long list of items to be checked off your list and just allow the first couple of weeks of your year to flow in gently, like a beautiful, slow flowing tide. Trust me, you will be rewarded in the long run.<br /><br />Here's to an amazing year of connection, fun and learning in your homeschools.<br /><br /><br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/01/easing-in-to-new-school-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-2285045351727091033Mon, 16 Jan 2017 03:50:00 +00002017-01-16T13:50:02.480+10:002017Free PrintablesHomeschool EncouragementHomeschool HelpPlannersPlanning and RecordingHomeschooling Help Booklet - Free Printable<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNsza1SFb7k/WHw6kXSukOI/AAAAAAAByI4/jIJpI0dM-Bwm9s4ofbTd9Bn76c4c9Oc4gCLcB/s1600/homeschool%2Bhelp%2Bbooklet%2Bblog%2Bgraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNsza1SFb7k/WHw6kXSukOI/AAAAAAAByI4/jIJpI0dM-Bwm9s4ofbTd9Bn76c4c9Oc4gCLcB/s400/homeschool%2Bhelp%2Bbooklet%2Bblog%2Bgraphic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've been helping out a couple of friends with preparing for their year ahead in the homeschooling world. For those of us that have been doing this for years we know how crazy it can get when trying to make the best possible decisions for your children, your homeschool and your family environment.<br /><br />It's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of what all your homeschool friends are doing and comparing your list of ideas against theirs. It is always in these moments where we need to come back to us. To our children, to our family and to the things that we hold dear. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z17SgkwbkY/WHwwYxRvqEI/AAAAAAAByIc/Gt_bpLtvbMovAXCSOB0gn-ecebqLDV-nwCLcB/s1600/Homeschooling%2BHelp%2BCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z17SgkwbkY/WHwwYxRvqEI/AAAAAAAByIc/Gt_bpLtvbMovAXCSOB0gn-ecebqLDV-nwCLcB/s400/Homeschooling%2BHelp%2BCollage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>To help my friends in a way that is as least overwhelming as possible I put together a very simple Free Homeschooling Help Printable Booklet.<br /><br />It contains all the important stuff when it comes to thinking about the year ahead. Not only what we will utilise for specific grades but it also covers some of the heart stuff. The things that are truly more often, more important than the subjects and the resources.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Zn_S2gytRQ/WHw12Q4AiFI/AAAAAAAByIs/eEU4RNF30Cgk-8_IN2SbUkND31E5gp5WACLcB/s1600/Homeschooling%2BHelp%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Zn_S2gytRQ/WHw12Q4AiFI/AAAAAAAByIs/eEU4RNF30Cgk-8_IN2SbUkND31E5gp5WACLcB/s400/Homeschooling%2BHelp%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The booklet is twenty pages, with a very no frills design. Simply print it off, grab a cuppa and start completing it. If you're anything like me though you'll work on this over quite a few different sittings.<br /><br />If you have friends that are new to homeschooling or that may be feeling a little overwhelmed please share this blog post with them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://app.box.com/s/i06hs8kgpi5g5ppnil49uvuzd6wlw0jr" target="_blank">Download The Free Homeschooling Help Booklet Here</a> </div><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/01/homeschooling-help-booklet-free.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-1820434370679509264Sat, 14 Jan 2017 00:48:00 +00002017-01-14T10:49:12.594+10:002017Homeschool BlogsHomeschool EncouragementHomeschooling CommunityTOS 2017Homeschool Blogs To ReadWell the new year is definitely under way and whilst we are still on school summer holiday break I am busy gathering supplies for and organising our year ahead.<br /><br />For the second year in a row I have decided to team up with the <a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="_blank">Homeschool Review Crew</a> once again, to bring you all some great products, that we use and review in our home.<br /><br />I love reading homeschool related blogs, so much great stuff to glean from them. if only there were enough hours in the day to read each and every post that all of you wonderful homeschool mumma's take the time to create.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv3qLg-86nA/WHlxMdZEjTI/AAAAAAAByIM/KCzyiDodsn4QphhgHwOOJkeVuKz6D3XuwCLcB/s1600/blogs%2Bto%2Bread%2Bbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv3qLg-86nA/WHlxMdZEjTI/AAAAAAAByIM/KCzyiDodsn4QphhgHwOOJkeVuKz6D3XuwCLcB/s400/blogs%2Bto%2Bread%2Bbanner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This year I thought I would share some of the blogs that are also part of the review crew this year. You're bound to find something here that interests you. There's such a wide variety of bloggers and the areas in which they focus on.<br /><br />So go, grab a cuppa, or if you're in Australia, a cool icy drink and enjoy some time getting to know a few new to you homeschooling blogs.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://debrakb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Footprints in the Butter"><img alt="Footprints in the Butter" height="125" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--syJLs0bZYo/T6UvfGZnsCI/AAAAAAAAA8k/omWVGNTlEWI/s150/Footprints1.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.everybedofroses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Every Bed of Roses"><img alt="Every Bed of Roses" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYWp_OFfz24/VK-5S7Gw1zI/AAAAAAAALAc/tAxNmwbF9O0/s1600/Every%2BBed%2Bof%2BRoses%2BBlog%2BB.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.doubleofarmsky.com/blog/" target="_blank" title="Double O Farms"><img alt="Double O Farms" height="125" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2016%20TOS%20Crew/Crew%20Forum/Double%20O%20Farms%20Blog_zpsg6dlndcf.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.familyfaithandfridays.com/" target="_blank" title="Family Faith &amp; Fridays"><img alt="Family Faith &amp; Fridays" height="125" src="https://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/familyfaithfridaysbutton3copy.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.circlingthroughthislife.com/" target="_blank" title="Circling Through This Life"><img alt="Circling Through This Life" height="125" src="https://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz235/HamreClan/flowerblogbutton.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://3gigglygirlsathome.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" title="At Home: where life happens"><img alt="At Home: where life happens" height="125" src="https://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/3gigglygirls/BlogButton2_zpsf47c0bac.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://kympossibleblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Homeschool Coffee Break"><img alt="Homeschool Coffee Break" height="125" src="https://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/kymtmd/blogthings/blogbutton.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.anetintime.ca/" target="_blank" title="A Net in Time"><img alt="A Net in Time" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtRkOcWljn4/WDX3tdd0LPI/AAAAAAAAOTg/6-6NKv3FB3QJ-nQDDIVbpdyxxdSPGFF0ACK4B/s1600/a%2Bnet%2Bin%2Btime%2Bbutton%2Bnew.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://gypsyroadschool.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Gypsy Road"><img alt="Gypsy Road" height="125" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbxMf7mB9wk/WEFv8RoiHuI/AAAAAAAAShc/HGW22ya0G7E_gdkpiaavmEWStZ4hhaOGgCLcB/s1600/gypsy-road_highway_f6df.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://countingpinecones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Counting Pinecones"><img alt="Counting Pinecones" height="125" src="https://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r119/babyvett/button.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://lighthousechristiannc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Our Life ~ Home and School"><img alt="Our Life ~ Home and School" height="125" src="https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b547/lighthousechristiannc/homeschool1_zps8b336cc2.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Tots and Me"><img alt="Tots and Me" height="125" src="https://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt58/kewkewphoto/540d5896-d6f2-4285-8c2e-2d049c757729_zpse4a04968.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://luvnlambertlife.com/" target="_blank" title="luvnlambertlife.com"><img alt="luvnlambertlife.com" height="125" src="https://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff370/Dana_Lambert/Blog-button-2013-small.gif" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/" target="_blank" title="Delightful Learning"><img alt="Delightful Learning" height="125" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-No3Csa7wpAY/WEIJlNmbhoI/AAAAAAABY8g/7fiMgDzytK4NuGS7irHhbtzQHIYY9FD_gCKgB/s1600/delightfullearning.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.momsplans.com/" target="_blank" title="Mom's Plans"><img alt="Mom's Plans" height="125" src="https://momsplans.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_18/custom/images/button.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://totplay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="A Learning Journey"><img alt="A Learning Journey" height="125" src="https://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f287/tlmasters/traceymastersgrey2.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.thisdayhasgreatpotential.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="This Day Has Great Potential"><img alt="This Day Has Great Potential" height="125" src=" https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gdqOd4xYq1M/UEwJcBNTVbI/AAAAAAAAAPo/TUqZ-g_nEQg/s226-p-k/thisdaypot-1.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://weiseracademy.com/" target="_blank" title="Weiser Academy"><img alt="Weiser Academy" height="125" src="https://weiseracademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Weiser-Academy-Button.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://aswebloom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="As We Bloom"><img alt="As We Bloom" height="125" src="https://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm471/dclownfish03/aswebloomsq225.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.homemakingorganized.com/" target="_blank" title="Homemaking Organized"><img alt="Homemaking Organized" height="125" src="https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/pattsattik/HMO-150-Banner_zpsb4678ee3.png" width="125" /></a><a href="https://mountainofgracehomeschooling.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Mountain of Grace Homeschooling"><img alt="Mountain of Grace Homeschooling" height="125" src="https://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff515/mountainofgrace/blogbutton1.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.astablebeginning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="A Stable Beginning"><img alt="A Stable Beginning" height="125" src="https://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/a%20stable%20beginning%20button%20copy.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://home-sweet-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Home Sweet Life"><img alt="Home Sweet Life" height="125" src="https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/crabbygirl/homesweetlife.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Through the Calm and Through the Storm"><img alt="Through the Calm and Through the Storm" height="125" src="https://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n317/schwamb/thrucalmstorm_zps82768f36.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Our Worldwide Classroom"><img alt="Our Worldwide Classroom" height="125" src="https://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk224/realworldlearners/Button.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.glimpseofourlife.com/" target="_blank" title="A Glimpse of Our Life"><img alt="A Glimpse of Our Life" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZCUpxKbYSxk/TT4rjJPARFI/AAAAAAAAAGo/wVX5AcBUKy8/s230/blog%2Bbutton.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.sangabrielfarm.com/" target="_blank" title="San Gabriel Farm"><img alt="San Gabriel Farm" height="125" src="https://sangabrielfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Living-the-Dream-One-Day-at-a-Time-1.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://troutwife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Trout Wife"><img alt="Trout Wife" height="125" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BP1YYXzs4N0/WFm3f0sMoWI/AAAAAAAAOsY/2Q4yYD1keR0mIn8tYAvhOHHEbOU-dB7rQCLcB/s1600/Troutwife.JPG" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.castleviewacademy.com/" target="_blank" title="Castle View Academy homeschool"><img alt="Castle View Academy homeschool" height="125" src="https://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l131/CCastleView/button%201_zpsqmtzkbgk.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://creativemadnessmama.com/" target="_blank" title="Creative Madness Mama"><img alt="Creative Madness Mama" height="125" src="https://creativemadnessmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/CMM-button-2015-300x300.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.byebyebrickandmortar.com/" target="_blank" title="DoodleMom's Homeschooling Life"><img alt="DoodleMom's Homeschooling Life" height="125" src="https://www.byebyebrickandmortar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/doodlemomshomeschoolinglifebutton.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.giftofchaos.com/" target="_blank" title="Gift of Chaos"><img alt="Gift of Chaos" height="125" src="https://giftofchaos.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Gift-of-Chaos-Button.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://mcclanahan7.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="McClanahan 7"><img alt="McClanahan 7" height="125" src="https://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j475/lcmpm7/blogbuttonfromMarcy.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://crossrhodesacademy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Cross Rhodes Academy"><img alt="Cross Rhodes Academy" height="125" src="https://i63.tinypic.com/25gw4ex.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://apronstringsotherthings.com/" target="_blank" title="Apron Strings &amp; Other Things"><img alt="Apron Strings &amp; Other Things" height="125" src="https://apronstringsotherthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Blog-Button-Apron-Strings-Other-Things-new-125x125.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://apronstringsotherthings.com/" target="_blank" title="Apron Strings &amp; Other Things"><img alt="Apron Strings &amp; Other Things" height="125" src="https://apronstringsotherthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Blog-Button-Apron-Strings-Other-Things-new-125x125.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://mamascoffeeshop.info/blog/" target="_blank" title="Mama’s Coffee Shop Blog"><img alt="Mama’s Coffee Shop Blog" height="125" src="https://mamascoffeeshop.info/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mamas-Coffee-Shop-FBAvatar.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.thecountryhomemaker.com/" target="_blank" title="The Country Homemaker"><img alt="The Country Homemaker" height="125" src="https://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m229/southern_cowgirl_emt/BLOGBUTTON_1.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://godswritergirlkellykigginslund.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="God's Writer Girl's Blog"><img alt="God's Writer Girl's Blog" height="125" src="https://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p141/kakl531/307bb5c5-67d5-42a4-a218-075dd3f2da8f_zpsxtfixfal.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.homeschoolreviewcrew.com/" target="_blank" title="Homeschool Review Crew"><img alt="Homeschool Review Crew" height="125" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%202016%20Blog%20Button_zpsadd4ecg9.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><br />I'm looking forward to another fun and productive year on the review crew. Can't wait to bring you our first lot of product reviews.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="_blank&quot;"><img alt="Review Crew" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Narrow%20Banner%20Words%202016_zpsiwwtozxx.jpg" /></a></center><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2017/01/well-new-year-is-definitely-under-way.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-844527247541943177Fri, 30 Dec 2016 21:29:00 +00002016-12-31T07:29:26.737+10:002016My RamblingsRuminating On 2016I sit here staring aimlessly at this blank screen and it's waiting, staring back at me. Anxiously waiting for my words to strike the keyboard, to run across the screen, to tell the story of my year.<br /><br />Yet all I can do is sit and stare. Wonder how on earth I reflect on such a year. How does one do that? Look back and reflect on a year filled with so much loss, so much sadness, so much death, so much grief within me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zpqQQHIAySY/WGbOmMmkysI/AAAAAAAByDI/4rfwSsIBWigCCpmme9UFYHMljXE_ItbyQCLcB/s1600/reflecting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zpqQQHIAySY/WGbOmMmkysI/AAAAAAAByDI/4rfwSsIBWigCCpmme9UFYHMljXE_ItbyQCLcB/s400/reflecting.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><br />If I'm honest with myself I have been reflecting on this year every single day for the past four or so months but now that it comes time to actually write something, to put these reflections into words I'm at a loss. So I'll just let my fingers do the talking and see where it takes me. <br /><br />I remember many years ago learning about pivotal moments in our lives. Those big times when things happen to us, times that change us. We are stretched, turned upside, poked and prodded and often wrung out to dry. Those moments, that when living through them, you wonder how you will ever come out the other side.<br /><br />They're the pivotal moments, they're the ones that have made us who we are today. The moments of tremendous change, moments were we can never go back to the way we were before. Looking back this entire year has been one huge pivotal moment in time for my life. It will always remain that year that I was experiencing the 'worst year of my life'.<br /><br />However now that I can sit here having come through the wringer and am out on the other side I can see glimpses of the positive that has come from this years experiences. Even the worst of them.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong I am so utterly, deeply saddened with the loss that I've experienced this year but each day now does come a little easier. The fog is less thick, the tears are lighter. Although they still fall frequently, they are a more gentle, more peaceful release of grief that I know needs to flow for as long as it is inside me.<br /><br />Thinking about my <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/on-saying-goodbye-to-very-dear-friend.html" target="_blank">friend, my confidant, my homeschool partner</a> in crime is still very painful. The participation of being there watching her little by little die before my eyes, and having absolutely zero control over any of it was an excruciating experience to say the least. Although one I was so honoured to be a part of. For quite some time during those moments in her last few months I was frantic, unknowingly at the time hoping that every little thing I did, every little thing I could control or at least tried to control would save her but in the end all I could do was surrender to the understanding that I had zero control over any of it.<br /><br />None of us have any real control over the vast majority of things that happen to us and around us and yet we spend our lives as if we do.<br /><br />The only thing we have control over is how we react to these situations, these completely out of control moments, where we feel the world and life itself is senseless.<br /><br />And so as I reflect and search from the positives in the situation 'letting go of control' has to play the prominent role here.<br /><br />Whilst I didn't write about my Father's sudden and unexpected passing that occurred the morning following my <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/on-saying-goodbye-to-very-dear-friend.html" target="_blank">friends funeral</a>, here on the blog, it literally turned my entire existence upside down. And in reality I'm still not in a place where I can articulate all that I am feeling from not only losing my dad, but losing him so suddenly and during a time that I was already experiencing so much grief.<br /><br />I can only share the poem I wrote not long after he passed.<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Grief</u></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Punched in the face</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Wound pouring with blood</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Throbbing, writhing, pain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">A machine spin cycle</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Locked inside, no escape</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Spinning, whirring, pain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Pounding waves</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Flinging you from the cliff</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Falling, screaming, pain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">A raging giant</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Angry at the world</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Slamming, throwing, pain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Inferno’s heat</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">A never ending burning</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Blistering, searing, pain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">An unfathomable well</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Crawling, but with no escape</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Gloomy, weeping pain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">No peace</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">No quiet</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">No stillness</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Pain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Complicated overwhelming pain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">That pretty much sums it all up and at times even four months on it is still where I am at. But that's ok, grief is a personal process with no timeline and no real ending. It is and always will be different for everyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Just three short months after the passing of my friend our family also lost my husbands Grandfather. To say that my children have experienced their fair share of life's blows this past year is an understatement.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Three funerals for three people that they all loved and shared a great deal of time with, in the exact same funeral house within three months. They are certainly well and truly versed in the meaning of death, watching death, trying to cope with death and in the ins and outs of the events that occur following a death.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It's been tough for them but at the same time I do choose to see how resilient they are, how much they have all grown from the experiences of this year and the way in which they have handled themselves throughout all of this. Children certainly have this amazing ability to help us see that even through the darkest of times life really does go on.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Life is a wonderful, precious gift and so many of us waste it. It is the rarest of gems and we must love it, we must nurture it and we must allow it flourish within us and in those that are around us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mV0XlqfKqs/WGbK-QKnSzI/AAAAAAAByCw/1_rEJ1P38FI4Qn7z0jqXJS8lhO3c9GBHwCLcB/s1600/Rainbow%2BAgenda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mV0XlqfKqs/WGbK-QKnSzI/AAAAAAAByCw/1_rEJ1P38FI4Qn7z0jqXJS8lhO3c9GBHwCLcB/s400/Rainbow%2BAgenda.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I feel that I could and probably need to write more but I've been working on this post for over two weeks now and can never get through to the end without breaking down and so I'm going to finish this one off by saying that never in my life have I been happier for a new year to begin!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">See you on the other side! Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Kylie x</div><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/reflecting-on-2016/" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschool Review Crew Reflecting on 2016" border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Homeschool-Review-Crew-Reflect-on-2016.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></center><br />To see more 2016 year in review posts simply click on the image above. http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2016/12/ruminating-on-2016.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-6670626574020691192Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:08:00 +00002016-12-14T19:08:04.327+10:002016Big History ProjectHigh SchoolHistoryOur Big History Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmT_HyPe848/WFEIaBpnMtI/AAAAAAABx9Q/_ouvf40ra1wWLhY6TFnvnfng0lmbFH6-QCLcB/s1600/bighistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmT_HyPe848/WFEIaBpnMtI/AAAAAAABx9Q/_ouvf40ra1wWLhY6TFnvnfng0lmbFH6-QCLcB/s400/bighistory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />We've decided to try our hand at <a href="https://www.bighistoryproject.com/home" target="_blank">The Big History Project</a> with my son next year. He'll be completing his tenth grade and whilst we want to cover history, so far we are yet to find any one program that we have absolutely loved and have absolutely wanted to continue to work our way through. <br /><br />I have begun working on the teacher training (9 hours in length) so that I am well prepared for the complexities of this course. So far I am extremely enthralled and can't wait to get started, but then I'm a history loving kinda gal! I am excited to know that we can make this as involved or as simple as we want to, but yet everything is still there for us, in an organised, well laid out fashion that is used daily by teachers all around the world.<br /><br />Some of the points that have been raised in the teacher training so far are all of the reasons why I am drawn to using BHP next year and hopefully over the years to come.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTL65a5aIvQ/WFD95WM2ZHI/AAAAAAABx78/_VSTMJt5S90f8QWyjmeOud0a1kWQ9x2TgCLcB/s1600/blog-teaching-bh-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTL65a5aIvQ/WFD95WM2ZHI/AAAAAAABx78/_VSTMJt5S90f8QWyjmeOud0a1kWQ9x2TgCLcB/s400/blog-teaching-bh-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Be sure to register for the school component of the program, so far what I can see it contains a great deal more than the the standard registration. <br /><br />Big History Project utilises challenging texts, it is organised and highly structured and one of the key components of the program is to sharpen the students critical thinking skills. BHP includes claim testing activities which aim to teach students how to analyse claims and has a strong focus on evidence based writing. <br /><br />The activities are many and varied and include research activities and project based activities. I think this would be a fabulous course to complete as part of a small group co-op, but we are already stretched quite thin with our current co-operative activities so we will be tackling this on our own.<br /><br />So how is the Big History Project structured? This is a secular program and does begin way back with the big bang. The entire program is broken into what BHP calls thresholds, where each of these represents a moment in time where the universe got more complex. It is made up of 10 units covering 8 thresholds, with the thresholds comprising of:<br /><br />1/. Big Bang<br />2/. Stars<br />3/. Elements<br />4/. Planets<br />5/. Life<br />6/. Collective Learning (humans)<br />7/. Agriculture<br />8/. Modern Revolution<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knqD8khmZHo/WFD-JlWFx6I/AAAAAAABx8A/H-nOpsJGgT4WDAbqVzVQcyjO2t0i7WHzACLcB/s1600/blog-teaching-bh-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knqD8khmZHo/WFD-JlWFx6I/AAAAAAABx8A/H-nOpsJGgT4WDAbqVzVQcyjO2t0i7WHzACLcB/s400/blog-teaching-bh-2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />All of the materials provided throughout the course are designed to be downloaded, thus allowing for flexibility, especially in cases where there may be none or limited internet access. So essentially I could head to the library, download what we are wanting and head home to use it without needing to access my internet.<br /><br />Each unit also includes a guide, lesson plans and assessments, so what I am most intrigued by is that we can choose how we do this. We can work through it simply as is or decide on our own structure. That of course, we will not know until we actually delve into the program.<br /><br />The other reason that I am most drawn to this is the interdisciplinary approach they have taken when creating the curriculum. The students will look at disciplines such as chemistry, biology, archaeology, anthropology, cosmology, economics and of course history. The Big History project will show them how these disciplines are all connected, unlike many other courses of study that are disjointed and the student often misses the point and doesn't see how it all fits together into one big picture.<br /><br />Let's hope that Big History Project delivers what they set out to achieve.<br /><br />Given that I have only just recently begun the teacher training I don't really have a solid plan as yet as to how we will tackle this program. My gut feeling is that if we are both engaged we will take longer than the course suggests of up to one year. That way we can add in documentaries, living books and our History Odyssey series we have here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqEuYiloRno/WFECvYk4HUI/AAAAAAABx8w/3Lnp6fhsa3c2XRMNmEtvVFdSJoaMzRPEwCLcB/s1600/history%2Bbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqEuYiloRno/WFECvYk4HUI/AAAAAAABx8w/3Lnp6fhsa3c2XRMNmEtvVFdSJoaMzRPEwCLcB/s400/history%2Bbooks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I hope to share more of how this goes for us throughout the year. But for the first time in a long while we are actually feeling some excitement about history!<br /><br />Have you utilised the resources over at The Big History Project in your homeschool? Please let me know if you have, I'd love to hear from you. <br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br /><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2016/12/our-big-history-project.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-7863675040814592426Thu, 08 Dec 2016 01:41:00 +00002016-12-08T11:41:34.126+10:002016Learning To ReadReadingReading AloudIntroducing A New ReaderI sometimes get asked about readers and those children that are in their prime learning to read stage. One question that often arises is that of, 'how do I introduce a new reader to my child'. This is by no means intended to be the only way, it is simply what I have found that works for us here.<br /><br />I am now onto our third and final child that is just about at the stage of reading early chapter books and my time as a homeschool mum introducing early readers to my kids will be over.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdJbbOQNMAA/WEiR4VykJtI/AAAAAAABx5g/WyEj8uJhV1UPuFPXKbNJH-PG0cqPheY7QCLcB/s1600/how%2Bto%2Bintroduce%2Ba%2Bnew%2Breader%2Bto%2Byour%2Bchild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdJbbOQNMAA/WEiR4VykJtI/AAAAAAABx5g/WyEj8uJhV1UPuFPXKbNJH-PG0cqPheY7QCLcB/s400/how%2Bto%2Bintroduce%2Ba%2Bnew%2Breader%2Bto%2Byour%2Bchild.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: cyan;">Step 1</span></b></span><br /><br />So you have brand new beginning reader on your hands. Maybe they know all of their alphabet sounds and possibly can sound out a few simple words and so you feel it is time to make a start on introducing readers to your child.<br /><br /><h4>"Readers are most often a set of books that children (and their reading mentors) utilise to work their way through the sounding out of simple words and letter combinations, slowly and systematically progressing them into more detailed texts."</h4><br />Most readers at this stage will have a focus, it may be a short vowel sound in the middle of what is known as a CVC word (vowel consanant vowel). So could be something like 'dig' where the focus of the book is to practice words with the short vowel sound 'i'.<br /><br />This step in the process is to introduce the new sound, in the lower level readers it is most always a single letter sound but will progress into letter combinations, such as blends, like ch, ck, sh and then onto longer combinations of letters that make a single sound.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uy1MDzcrshk/WEiN25rPxWI/AAAAAAABx5E/xm_MqbjapMksl8xRg4_-abcQkx_AuBeWQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uy1MDzcrshk/WEiN25rPxWI/AAAAAAABx5E/xm_MqbjapMksl8xRg4_-abcQkx_AuBeWQCLcB/s400/IMG_1904.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />For example here in this particular reader titled 'Mark and Mars' the new sound is made up of the letter combination 'ar'.<br /><br />We will read the title together, talk about the sound combination and try and come up with some other words that might use that sound all before we even open the book.<br /><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 2</span></b></span><br /><br />I read the story. Yes, I read it from cover to cover, not my child. Let's face it the whole point of introducing a reader like this to a child is because they don't know the new sounds that are going to be presented. If they could already read the words why would we bother even introducing the reader. However, because they don't know the sounds it can make for an anxiety driven time trying to focus on what they've recently learned in earlier readers, sounding out words that may be familiar to them and then also trying to add in the brand new sound in a series of words that they most likely have never come across before. Let's not forget that at the same time they are trying to read for comprehension. Put all of this together and many young children simply do not cope. <br /><br />So together we cuddle on the couch and I read. That way we both to get to enjoy the story (the stories generally get better as the readers progress in levels), we get to know the story and we understand the premise behind the text. We will have a brief chat to check for comprehension at the end of the story.<br /><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 3</span></b></span><br /><br />We go back through the story looking for the words that contain our new sound, which in this book is 'ar'. We spend time sounding out those words and saying them out loud to ensure we have the correct sounds coming out. This is often a time for lots of giggles, especially with letter/sound combinations that may be a little different.<br /><br />That's basically all we do on the first days introduction of a new reader. We always have a couple of books that are at a lower reading level which we use to help build fluency and practice recently learned sounds. So now is the time the child reads those out loud.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lurj_MvjgxA/WEiOOO0X_GI/AAAAAAABx5Q/fTiXJEwVx6INiP8ZOwh5swYJ4zbq7TDWgCLcB/s1600/reader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lurj_MvjgxA/WEiOOO0X_GI/AAAAAAABx5Q/fTiXJEwVx6INiP8ZOwh5swYJ4zbq7TDWgCLcB/s400/reader.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 4</span></b></span><br /><br />This step happens the following day. We remind ourselves of the story and the new sound that we are on the lookout for.<br /><br />Then it's time to begin reading. As you can see from this particular reader we are at the stage of having several short sentences on each page. So that my new reader is not overwhelmed we take turns. Sentence by sentence. That way he can focus on what he needs to focus on, he hears me reading and modelling with every new sentence and he isn't overwhelmed with the length of each page and in turn the entire book. We continue in this turn taking fashion for the remainder of the book. Then it's time for fluency reading with some lower level readers.<br /><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 5</span></b></span><br /><br />This step happens the next day. Step 5 in essence is exactly the same as step 4, however we swap. If I went first in step 4, then he goes first in step 5.<br /><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 6</span></b></span><br /><br />Step 6 happens the following day. By now we are on our fourth day of reading with this new book so the story line and the new words are mostly becoming quite familiar. Sometimes this is a slower process depending on the particular sound combinations.<br /><br />Here we read an entire page each, but still taking turns until we've come to the end of the book.<br /><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 7</span></b></span><br /><br />Day five into our new reader. This particular step is when I need to assess how things are going with the book and the new sounds. If he has picked things up with relative ease today will be the day that he reads the entire reader out loud and it will then get added to the fluency pile. If it was a little tricky we will complete step 6 again, but swapping with who goes first, so we are reading different pages.<br /><br />Depending on the book, the sounds that were introduced and the child we spend somewhere around a full week on a new reader. This can be easily shortened or lengthened in time depending on how much progress is being made.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8M9NTW1sjE/WEigKKbO5zI/AAAAAAABx6E/3pz4p1KZWFUWAJp2pzulYl6uoTxAbrazwCLcB/s1600/introducing%2Breaders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8M9NTW1sjE/WEigKKbO5zI/AAAAAAABx6E/3pz4p1KZWFUWAJp2pzulYl6uoTxAbrazwCLcB/s400/introducing%2Breaders.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 8</span></b></span><br /><br />It's time to start all over again with a new reader. And really, it is as simple as that.<br /><br />I am not a qualified reading instructor. I am simply a mum in her eleventh year of educating her kids at home and this is a process that, through trial and error, I have found, works for us.<br /><br />If you are struggling with introducing new readers to your child, I encourage you to give something like this a try. Be sure to let me know please if it helps in anyway.<br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br /><br /><br /><br />http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2016/12/introducing-new-reader.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-2528365486751054924Sat, 27 Aug 2016 10:21:00 +00002016-08-27T22:23:42.253+10:002015My RamblingsOn Saying Goodbye To A Very Dear Friend<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">So I’ve been somewhat absent for a time. In fact it appears as though I just fell off the face of the earth. Most of you know that I don’t normally share deeply personal aspects of my life here on the blog, except when I have had major life changing moments, <a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com.au/2010/01/one-of-lifes-downs.html" target="_blank">like this one</a>.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For some reason when those moments strike I always feel compelled to write and so here I sit writing yet again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These past few months have seen me walking yet another big life changing path, one that I never chose to walk, one that chose me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today was the final stage of an ordeal that I never wish upon anyone. Today, in front of all her family and friends I said goodbye forever to my homeschooling best friend.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUfA_VdutCY/V8FoABK-eVI/AAAAAAABxA8/W8vlpHmlVXg2JXbBjTYL1eQPvtsqfix9gCLcB/s1600/e488f278473600b61f4076c81a9f7525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUfA_VdutCY/V8FoABK-eVI/AAAAAAABxA8/W8vlpHmlVXg2JXbBjTYL1eQPvtsqfix9gCLcB/s320/e488f278473600b61f4076c81a9f7525.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We’ve been by each other’s side for close to ten years. I have never known homeschooling without her. She has been my partner in crime, my teacher buddy (my Miss T), my confidante, my counsellor, my book buddy and my late night chatting (texting) about rubbish tv and without a doubt one of the dearest most treasured friendships I have ever known.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nine days ago my friend left her earthly body as it could no longer go on. The cancer inside her was simply far too big a beast for her to fight. But fight she did, for nearly three years she has done everything imaginable to beat it. This included leaving her family behind and heading to the other side of the world for treatment. Whilst all of these things gave her more time, they simply weren’t enough and in the end there was nothing anyone could do except ensure she was comfortable and well loved. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone keeps saying what a beautiful service it was today and I have spent all afternoon trying to reflect on all that took place there today. However, the reality of the situation hit me hard sitting there this morning. Today I couldn’t go busy myself with a job that needed doing (I had no patient to care for, no hospital appointments to attend). Today I had to immerse myself in the fact that Miss T is simply not away on extended leave, she truly is not returning to us on this earth, ever again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All of the beautiful words spoken and sung about my friend were all just a little too much for me to bear and it took every ounce of my being to not completely lose myself there today. Consequently I don’t really remember anything much about the service.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGV7FAz_LEw/V8FoOEnSq0I/AAAAAAABxBE/hpJGpcXx2ScAxGhcDZaOIntqrn86l-KMACLcB/s1600/How-long-will-you-be-my-friend-500x530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGV7FAz_LEw/V8FoOEnSq0I/AAAAAAABxBE/hpJGpcXx2ScAxGhcDZaOIntqrn86l-KMACLcB/s320/How-long-will-you-be-my-friend-500x530.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wrote a poem, after she passed and I did stand to deliver it but even that is a blur and so I will write it down once more and send it out into the universe where I know that my dear Miss T can hear it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When She Walked In</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I weep</div><div class="MsoNormal">For my friend</div><div class="MsoNormal">I hold so dear.</div><div class="MsoNormal">For goodbye I must say</div><div class="MsoNormal">To our earthly friendship here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She was taken from me</div><div class="MsoNormal">Far too soon, with much life left to live</div><div class="MsoNormal">Her years here so few</div><div class="MsoNormal">There was still so much she wanted to do</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She was always there</div><div class="MsoNormal">Through thick and thin</div><div class="MsoNormal">My life became much brighter</div><div class="MsoNormal">When she walked in</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Many a day we’ve spent together</div><div class="MsoNormal">Talking and laughing</div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter the weather</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This past year</div><div class="MsoNormal">Has seen us shed many a tear</div><div class="MsoNormal">But by her side I vowed to stand</div><div class="MsoNormal">Always loving her, holding her hand</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whilst things today are pretty tough</div><div class="MsoNormal">And the future ahead looks a little rough</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know that when I look to the moon</div><div class="MsoNormal">We will always have each other in sight</div><div class="MsoNormal">And one day, in time</div><div class="MsoNormal">Everything really will be alright</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So now the time comes for me to get on with my life, get back to normal, to find a new kind of normal, without my dear, dear friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For I know her all too well enough that if she could visit me for even just a moment, the first thing she would say to me is to live, to live a life she would proud of, a life I am proud of. To go on and face each day with an open, joyous heart, making the best of all that I am blessed with and giving all of me to those that are a part of my world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In all moments of our life there is the good and there is not so good, but even in the not so good moments there is always, absolutely always, something positive and valuable to take away from it.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Miss T has been one of the few people in my life that has loved me unconditionally and that, no one can ever take from me.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Love truly is what makes the world go round, love truly is at the centre of everything and to love unconditionally is an amazing gift to possess and one that I will continue to strive for day in and day out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v14-U7uMih0/V8FoHpzrssI/AAAAAAABxBA/PCBwWEhy01sdB7eSzQ15kCqNtW7gH19OgCLcB/s1600/9bdcd5f0d3010bb896ff8d782f9e47bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v14-U7uMih0/V8FoHpzrssI/AAAAAAABxBA/PCBwWEhy01sdB7eSzQ15kCqNtW7gH19OgCLcB/s320/9bdcd5f0d3010bb896ff8d782f9e47bb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Until we meet again my beautiful friend, I will hold you in my heart and I will love you forever xxx</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In saying all that I really don't know when I will get back to my blog. Right now I have very little desire to write about homeschooling, but I am sure, in time, when it feels right, I will jump back in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2016/08/on-saying-goodbye-to-very-dear-friend.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-5519862298630742919Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:18:00 +00002016-06-05T16:02:41.946+10:002016ReviewsReviews: Online LearningTOS 2016Essentials Skills Advantage ~ Review<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84hNf8vN7Xk/V0u9HO0tGeI/AAAAAAABv6g/09u9TpRXV-QI0p4XxVLwW6pfHHgQne5BgCLcB/s1600/ESA%2BProduct%2BReview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84hNf8vN7Xk/V0u9HO0tGeI/AAAAAAABv6g/09u9TpRXV-QI0p4XxVLwW6pfHHgQne5BgCLcB/s400/ESA%2BProduct%2BReview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />For the past few weeks my younger kids have been brushing up on their math, phonics and spelling skills using the online <a href="https://learnwithesa.com/products/learningsuite" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Complete Home Learning Suite</a> from <a href="https://learnwithesa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essential Skills Advantage</a>.<br /><br /><h3>What Is Essential Skills Advantage</h3><br />ESA is an online platform for children in grades K - 6. It houses more than 14,000 activities across the subject areas of English, Math, Science and Geography. ESA is a supplementary program rather than a full curriculum, making it suitable to sit alongside any curriculum products you may be using.<br /><br />The ESA program has been developed by a team of experienced teachers with the aim of covering all of the 'essential skills' a child requires to succeed at their specific grade level.<br /><br />The platform is bright, colourful and engaging but does not have any unnecessary distractions on the screen.<br /><br />We have access to the Complete Home Learning Suite, which gives us the flexibility to choose from all of the subject areas across all of the grade levels. This is perfect for a child that may be a bit all over the place because they can work in grade 3 Math and then grade 2 English all at the same time.<br /><br /><h3>How We Used The Program</h3><br />With two children using the program we've been all over it so to speak. What I have loved the most is the ease in which we can choose the subject area or the grade and then jump between them.<br /><br />We often found ourselves in three different grade levels all in one morning. My youngest loves looking at the reporting area and seeing the green bar rising, showing him how much he has completed in a certain area.<br /><br />Whilst there are no lessons in the program as they assume prior learning it really is a simple way to practice spelling, phonics or even math facts.<br /><br />Each level also has a story time component where the child reads the story out loud and then completes a series of comprehension activities all based on the story. Each story progresses in length and difficulty as you move through the grades.<br /><br />The story component has been a great way to add in yet more read aloud time for my daughter, which she really needs right now. If a tricky word appears, in most cases she can click on the word and have it read aloud to her.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_G-mJNhTSs/V0-yd65wykI/AAAAAAABv8A/Y9-I4IHjcCUxSy3RVuJa5hh4_k_1h_80QCLcB/s1600/ESA%2Breview%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_G-mJNhTSs/V0-yd65wykI/AAAAAAABv8A/Y9-I4IHjcCUxSy3RVuJa5hh4_k_1h_80QCLcB/s640/ESA%2Breview%2Bcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3>What We Didn't Like</h3><br />Honestly I'm having a hard time coming up with something I don't like about the program. Once you realise that there are no lessons here only review work then it really is very easy to navigate and use.<br /><br />On the odd occasion my kids have complained a little about some repetitiveness in the activities, but overall they are both more than happy to use this program.<br /><br />The one area where I did notice something was that in the spelling activities. The program always lets you know the focus words and then the child proceeds to work on the activities, however the focus words always sit right up along the top of the screen. If the child clues into that they can easily just copy the words needed for their activities rather than having to try and remember them. <br /><br /><h3>What We Did Like</h3><br />This is a really simple program to navigate, there are no levels or lessons to complete before moving on. Once you click into a Subject and then the appropriate Grade Level you can see all of the activities available to you. From there you can easily choose what you would like to complete on any given day.<br /><br />The flexibility of the program, the fact that it is purely review and that I can easily check in on the reporting area to see how the kids are going are all bonuses here.<br /><br /><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><br />Will we continue using the ESA program, absolutely we will for all of the reasons I have listed above.<br /><br /><h3>Further Details</h3><br />You can get started with Essential Skills Advantage for as little as 7.99USD a month. Visit the pricing <a href="https://learnwithesa.com/pricing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">page on their website</a> for more details.<br /><br />Want to know more, check out ESA across your favourite social media channels<br /><br /><i><b>Facebook</b></i>: <a class="bbc_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/skillsadvantage/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/skillsadvantage/</a><br /><i><b>Twitter</b></i>: &nbsp; &nbsp; <a class="bbc_link" href="https://twitter.com/SkillsAdvantage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SkillsAdvantage</a> @SkillsAdvantage<br /><i><b>Pinterest</b></i>:&nbsp; <a class="bbc_link" href="https://www.pinterest.com/SkillsAdvantage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.pinterest.com/SkillsAdvantage</a><br /><i><b>Google +</b></i>: <a class="bbc_link" href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://plus.google.com/u/0/</a><br /><b><i>LinkedIn</i></b>: <a class="bbc_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillsadvantage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillsadvantage</a><br /><i><b>Blog</b></i>: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a class="bbc_link" href="http://buyesa.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://buyesa.com/blog/</a><br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Pin This So You Don't Forget It!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zv_OyNn6PiE/V0u4H8X8s8I/AAAAAAABv58/tW5bapDBUYI8YvjGIgRUd4tUVo5U_9eWACLcB/s1600/Learn%2BWith%2BESA%2BReview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zv_OyNn6PiE/V0u4H8X8s8I/AAAAAAABv58/tW5bapDBUYI8YvjGIgRUd4tUVo5U_9eWACLcB/s640/Learn%2BWith%2BESA%2BReview.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br />I hope you found this review helpful. If you would like to see further reviews of the ESA program, from members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, <a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/complete-home-learning-suite-essential-skills-advantage-review/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">please visit this link.</a><br /><br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2014TOSCREW/2014%20CREW%20BANNERS/disclaimer_zps7f3b646c.png" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2016/06/essentials-skills-advantage-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-454740953026092181Sat, 28 May 2016 07:07:00 +00002016-05-28T17:07:27.100+10:002016GamesMathematicsReviewsReviews: GamesReviews: MathematicsTOS 2016Sunya Math Game ~ Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52b0oy3XNiA/V0lBHfEILfI/AAAAAAABv5M/C27LCPGXzLYEw_PZvePO2JioTmgYdcW2gCLcB/s1600/Sunya%2BMath%2BGame%2BProduct%2BReview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52b0oy3XNiA/V0lBHfEILfI/AAAAAAABv5M/C27LCPGXzLYEw_PZvePO2JioTmgYdcW2gCLcB/s400/Sunya%2BMath%2BGame%2BProduct%2BReview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />To help my son get his addition facts mastered we've been playing Sunya The Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding &amp; Subtracting from <a href="http://www.sunyapublishing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunya Publishing</a>.<br /><br /><h3>What is Sunya</h3><br />Sunya (pronounced soonya) is a simple math concept game which aids children in learning their math addition and subtraction facts. It is intended for children aged 7 years and up.<br /><br />We all know that everything seems easier when it comes in game form and this is a fine example of that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXLAlw1Lums/V0lBUG2kUyI/AAAAAAABv5U/AyMf_EPLEzUwmB93hN-GgIxxhEMRzl0pwCLcB/s1600/Sunya%252520Math%252520and%252520Science%252520Adding%252520and%252520Subtracting%252520book%252520and%252520cards_zpsejtbwioj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXLAlw1Lums/V0lBUG2kUyI/AAAAAAABv5U/AyMf_EPLEzUwmB93hN-GgIxxhEMRzl0pwCLcB/s400/Sunya%252520Math%252520and%252520Science%252520Adding%252520and%252520Subtracting%252520book%252520and%252520cards_zpsejtbwioj.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3>How We Used The Game</h3><br />There are two variations to the game we received to review. It can be played with a focus on addition facts or with a focus on subtraction facts, we alternated between the two during our time reviewing the product as my son is right in the midst of learning these.<br /><br />There are also a couple of different levels in which you can play the game but given my son is on the youngest end of the recommended age scale we have chosen to stay with the most basic form of the game. Which for now has been more than enough for him.<br /><br />To play the game it is as simple as building a number sentence on the table, dealing the cards to each player and in turn they need to try and create a new number sentence using their cards and the ones that are already on the table.<br /><br />It's a simple concept, but one that gets the brain working. The deck also includes 'wild' cards and it is somewhat similar in nature to the game 'uno'.<br /><br />Once we were familiar with how to play the kids could easily play the game together. This was a great way to end our school time each day, with a few rounds of Sunya!<br /><br />The deck also includes fun little science themed fact and riddle cards that the kids got a kick of.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-C1lCJ4weE/V0lBOkWtw6I/AAAAAAABv5Q/TSgHeQfJQ1k_QLTa5Pn7UMn_Bi8KjyM4wCLcB/s1600/Sunya%252520the%252520magic%252520and%252520wonder%252520organge_zpsr13t05yh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-C1lCJ4weE/V0lBOkWtw6I/AAAAAAABv5Q/TSgHeQfJQ1k_QLTa5Pn7UMn_Bi8KjyM4wCLcB/s400/Sunya%252520the%252520magic%252520and%252520wonder%252520organge_zpsr13t05yh.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3>What We Didn't Like</h3><br />The instructions for this game really make it way more confusing than it actually is. I'm still not quite sure why a simple card game needs a booklet to detail all of the instructions. Once we realised how simple it was we were off and running, but I do feel that instruction booklet could really do with some reworking.<br /><br /><h3>What We Did Like</h3><br />The simplicity and the fact that this is a simple game really won us over. As I said earlier it was so easy to include a few rounds at the end of our school day.<br /><br />Sunya Publishing is still in its infancy and in fact the game is not yet available to the public. We were very lucky to receive an advanced copy. I recommend keeping an eye on their website so you know when it is released.<br /><br /><h3>Details</h3><br />Visit the <a href="http://www.sunyapublishing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunya website</a> for more information.<br /><br />I hope you have found this review helpful. If you would like to see further reviews covering the Sunya Game, from members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, please visit this link.<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Pin This So You Don't Forget It! </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9yXaK5Fk8A/V0k-OwPuWLI/AAAAAAABv40/N25Cli4v_5YomNbVeWvlIPe6JzwVCEg_ACLcB/s1600/sunya%2Bgame%2Breview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9yXaK5Fk8A/V0k-OwPuWLI/AAAAAAABv40/N25Cli4v_5YomNbVeWvlIPe6JzwVCEg_ACLcB/s640/sunya%2Bgame%2Breview.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2014TOSCREW/2014%20CREW%20BANNERS/disclaimer_zps7f3b646c.png" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2016/05/sunya-math-game-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530912370451266175.post-2606380580891553213Tue, 24 May 2016 07:25:00 +00002016-05-24T17:25:00.327+10:002016ReviewsReviews: ScienceReviews: WorkbooksScience and NatureTOS 2016Science Shepherd - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z02MYFiXTgo/Vz-014quf0I/AAAAAAABv1Q/YkyarSPNRg440dqX-rsPB6vDT1J3AoVUwCLcB/s1600/scienceshepherdcurriculumreview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z02MYFiXTgo/Vz-014quf0I/AAAAAAABv1Q/YkyarSPNRg440dqX-rsPB6vDT1J3AoVUwCLcB/s400/scienceshepherdcurriculumreview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />My daughter has been brushing up on so many science topics with her new <a href="http://www.scienceshepherd.com/introscience/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Introductory Science program</a> from <a href="http://www.scienceshepherd.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Science Shepherd</a>.<br /><br /><h3>What is Science Shepherd</h3><br />The Science Shepherd courses have been developed by a homeschooling dad, that also holds a degree in Bachelor of Science and a Medical degree. He saw an increased need for science offerings for homeschooling high schoolers and has since branched out to produce product ranges for younger students as well.<br /><br /><h3>How We Used The Program</h3><br />We were provided with a complete copy of Introductory Science Level B, which includes a student workbook, an answer key and twelve months access to the online video tutorials.<br /><br />This is absolutely an open and go program. I simply love the simplicity and ease of use for both my daughter and myself.<br /><br />Once our books arrived, we simply logged in using the details provided to us from Science Shepherd via email. Chose our course level from our account and began watching the first videos.<br /><br />Each video lesson is exactly matched to the workbook pages. This part of the program has been so well thought out. It is so clear to both the adult and the child where you are and what video you need to be watching.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tj1zmgztPQo/Vz---Du8pVI/AAAAAAABv2U/2dt20E1kXVQBOOS_0QfoqHJEBPXPRJesACLcB/s1600/science%2Bshepherd%2Bvideos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tj1zmgztPQo/Vz---Du8pVI/AAAAAAABv2U/2dt20E1kXVQBOOS_0QfoqHJEBPXPRJesACLcB/s400/science%2Bshepherd%2Bvideos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The lessons are broken down into weeks, with the vast majority of weeks having 5 lessons. My daughter is 11 and is at the upper end of the age range for this particular product and it literally took her minutes to complete a lesson.<br /><br />The videos are short and succinct and correspond perfectly to the student work book pages.<br /><br />The student workbooks are laid out in a simple, no fuss fashion. There are no bells and whistles, no bright colours, nothing to distract.<br /><br />The vast majority of the workbook pages are simple question and answer type pages, with a few puzzle activities included here and there.<br /><br />There are some simple hands on activities/experiments but not too many that the program becomes overwhelming. Every now and then you need to be prepared with a handful of items to complete the hands on component.<br /><br />This particular level - Introductory Science B - covers all manner of scientific topics. It aims to provide the student with a good overview. It starts out with Science Skills &amp; Tools, moves into Earth Science topics, followed by Life Science topics and then finally wraps up with Physical Science.<br /><br />It provides lessons for 35 weeks of science instruction. So a full year of science for the upper primary aged child.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEm0VFe9Zwg/V0AnMR7tuJI/AAAAAAABv3c/2wU6_Xli6Js5gD8VdaYhDfP8tm-00FgdQCLcB/s1600/Science%2BShepherd%2Bworkbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEm0VFe9Zwg/V0AnMR7tuJI/AAAAAAABv3c/2wU6_Xli6Js5gD8VdaYhDfP8tm-00FgdQCLcB/s640/Science%2BShepherd%2Bworkbook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3>What We Didn't Like</h3><br />This program is unashamedly Christian and is written from that perspective. I knew this going in to the review but there are so many wonderful Christian programs that can be easily tweaked for Secular Home Educators that I really wanted to give this one a try.<br /><br />As close as I can tell, as we aren't finished the program yet and won't be until closer to the end of the year, there are 40 lessons out of the total 170 lessons that contain religious content.<br /><br />So if you are strictly a Secular Home Educator then this program most likely will not work for you. However if you are flexible, looking for a simple, open and go program than I would still recommend you take a look at this.<br /><br />We discuss world views here a lot and I did discuss this program openly with my daughter before having her try it out. The entire first week covers creation, but after that we were simply able to skip over anything that we felt we needed to.<br /><br />Whilst the videos are very short, only a couple of minutes each, at times they can be a little on the dry side. The presenter appears as though he is a news broadcaster delivering the nightly news. They are well prepared and edited, but I think we have been spoiled with all of our over the top fun video presenters that we use for other programs in our homeschool.<br /><br />My daughter was more than capable of watching each and every video, but I did feel that my younger son, may have gotten bored quite quickly with the program.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4lZD7gzyBI/V0An-LIXE1I/AAAAAAABv3o/MCFzcXaev64yfbL-ngc9HQIajnV7qqmngCLcB/s1600/ScienceShepherdLogo_zpsxiankfzs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4lZD7gzyBI/V0An-LIXE1I/AAAAAAABv3o/MCFzcXaev64yfbL-ngc9HQIajnV7qqmngCLcB/s320/ScienceShepherdLogo_zpsxiankfzs.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3>What We Did Like</h3><br />Hands down the ease of use is an absolute winner here. There really is no excuse to not include science in your week, Science Shepherd understands the busyness of our days and what we need to make things simple.<br /><br />My daughter easily understood what was required of her and she completed the vast majority of her work independently.<br /><br />For me I don't have to spend hours planning and prepping, we simply open the next page in the book and pick up where we left off. So far for all of the hands on activities we've been able to find the items needed right here at home.<br /><br />I do also really like that in one full year the student covers all of the major science topics and gives them a good grounding to be able move forward with their science understanding in the years to come. <br /><br /><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><br />We will absolutely complete this course, for all of the reasons I have just mentioned above.<br /><br /><h3>Pricing &amp; Details</h3><br />The great thing about the Introductory Science course is the price. Access to the video components for a full 12 months is $35.00, the student workbook level B is priced at $15.00 and the answer key $3.00. (all pricing is in USD)<br /><br />To see all of the courses on offer visit the Science Shepherd website and navigate to the courses tab across the top of the screen.<br /><br />You can also catch them on social media:<br /><br /><i><b>Facebook</b></i> - <a class="bbc_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/ScienceShepherd/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ScienceShepherd/</a><br /><i><b>Twitter</b></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -&nbsp; <a class="bbc_link" href="https://twitter.com/scienceshepherd" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/scienceshepherd</a><br /><i><b>Pinterest</b></i> - ​ <a class="bbc_link" href="https://www.pinterest.com/scienceshepherd" target="_blank">https://www.pinterest.com/scienceshepherd</a><br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Pin This So You Don't Forget It!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlzwvYoXONc/Vz-1GqgEnWI/AAAAAAABv1c/Ucy1juawnmwx6cM2_UTob2nuNyGGxB7kACLcB/s1600/scienceshepherdreview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlzwvYoXONc/Vz-1GqgEnWI/AAAAAAABv1c/Ucy1juawnmwx6cM2_UTob2nuNyGGxB7kACLcB/s640/scienceshepherdreview.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br />I hope you have found this review helpful. If you would like to see further reviews covering the Science Shepherd Courses, from members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, please visit <a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/science-biology-and-life-science-science-shepherd-review/" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br /><br />Happy Homeschooling,<br />Kylie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come on over and join me at</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldwideClassroom">Facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/">Pinterest</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieourworldwideclassroom/">Instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104977488210200576750/posts">Google +&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?<br /><br /><br /><center><a data-pin-board-width="500" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/worldclassroom/"> Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.</a></center><center>&nbsp;</center></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2014TOSCREW/2014%20CREW%20BANNERS/disclaimer_zps7f3b646c.png" /></a></center>http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2016/05/science-shepherd-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kylie)0